KIMANI
The closer I got to the dining room, the louder my heartbeat became.
Each step felt heavier, as though I were walking toward something inevitable.
I paused by the doorway, smoothing the hem of my blouse, and inhaled deeply. I could do this. Just breakfast. Just Alaric. Nothing awkward. Nothing about last night.
Except, of course, the moment I stepped into the room, he looked up—and smiled.
That small, knowing smile of his that made my stomach flutter and my mind short-circuit all at once.
“Good morning,” he said smoothly, setting down his cup of coffee. “You look… well-rested.”
Liar. I was anything but.
“Morning,” I replied quickly, taking the seat opposite him. “Thanks for… uh… making breakfast.”
He raised a brow. “You make it sound like I cooked it myself.”
I grabbed a s
