AVA
The morning light filtered softly through the tall windows of the safe apartment Daniel had arranged for me. I stood by the kitchen counter, coffee in hand, watching him lean against the opposite side. His brown eyes were calm but watchful as always.
“You’re really going through with the lunch?” Daniel asked, voice low and steady.
I nodded, setting my cup down. “Yes. Just the two of us at Le Gavroche. He wants to ‘discuss synergies,’ as he put it.”
Daniel crossed his arms, but there was no tension in his posture — only quiet concern. “And you’re comfortable with that level of closeness?”
“I’m in control of it,” I replied softly, stepping closer to him.
He reached out and gently tucked a strand of my sleek chestnut hair behind my ear. “I do know. You tell me everything. That’s why
