LINA POV:
My hazel-brown eyes locked onto Christian's deep green ones. There was something about
the atmosphere in the room, an unspoken tension that lingered in the air.
Ray giggled as she played with Elle, her tiny hands tangled in the dog's soft fur. Meanwhile, Christian sat on the couch, flipping through a document, his calm and noble demeanor making the space feel even more refined. I had met many handsome men before, but there was something different about him. He didn't just look attractive. he looked like a masterpiece, as if he had stepped out of a Renaissance painting.
"Good morning," I greeted him with a simple nod.
Christian set his document aside, his gaze sweeping over me in a slow, deliberate manner. "Have you had breakfast?" he asked, his voice smooth and deep.
I hummed in response, placing my bag on the table before scooping Ray into a warm hug. Then, taking her tiny hand, I led her downstairs, with Elle trotting faithfully behind us.
"Aunt Lina," Ray piped up, looking at me with wide, pleading eyes, "can you make apple pie for me? Like last time? I missed your pie so much! Can you? Can you?"
I sighed, my resolve crumbling instantly at her dazzling puppy-dog eyes. With a soft chuckle, I nodded. "Alright, alright."
I set Ray down on the couch in the living room, about to head to the kitchen when Christian descended the staircase. I hesitated for a moment, then turned to him.
"Mr. Romano," I said, "can you watch over Ray while I bake?"
His eyes met mine, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Of course."
For a fleeting moment, I felt it again that inexplicable pull towards him, as if gravity itself shifted in his presence. But before I could dwell on it, Ray dropped her toy, snapping me out of my thoughts. Shaking off the feeling, I hummed softly and stepped into the kitchen, rolling up my sleeves.
The warm scent of cinnamon and apples was already vivid in my mind as I envisioned the golden crust of the pie I was about to bake. I gathered the ingredients flour, butter, sugar, and a bowl of freshly sliced apples. As I mixed the dough, a small smile tugged at my lips, picturing Ray's delighted expression when she took her first bite.
A prickling sensation ran down my spine, and I looked up. Christian was watching me from the living room. Our eyes met briefly before I quickly looked away. Just then, my phone buzzed on the counter. Wiping my hands on a dish towel, I picked it up and saw Sarah's name flashing on the screen.
"Hey, Sarah," I answered, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder as I peeled an apple.
"Lina, I just wanted to let you know Ruan is fine," Sarah said, getting straight to the point. "Also, I need you to gather the documents on Louis' brother, Christian."
My hands stilled, my knife hovering mid-air. "Christian? What's going on?"
"He's making moves," Sarah continued, her tone sharp. "He's started taking care of Patrick you know, the guy who attacked Louis at the hotel. But that's not all. Christian just exposed all of their illegal activities to the public. Their company is in serious financial trouble now."
I exhaled, setting the apple down. "Hmm. That's going to cause a storm."
"Exactly," Sarah agreed. "Anyway, I'll be back by evening with Addison and Miles. We were thinking of getting drinks if you don't mind, of course. Addison has to leave for South Africa soon to handle your other work, so it'd be good to catch up."
I leaned against the counter, considering. "I'm fine with any venue," I finally said.
With the crust ready, I carefully layered the apple slices inside, sprinkling them with cinnamon and sugar before covering them with the top layer of dough. Sliding the pie into the oven, I leaned against the counter, wiping the flour from my hands onto my apron.
Now all I had to do was wait.
The kitchen gradually filled with the sweet aroma of baking apples, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. Just as the timer dinged, signaling the pie was done, I heard the front door open.
Christian walked into the kitchen, carrying Ray effortlessly in his arms. Next to him, she looked so tiny, her arms wrapped around his neck as she giggled at something he whispered in her ear.
My gaze lingered on them for a moment longer than necessary before I turned away, reaching for an oven mitt.
Something about Christian intrigued me. And the more time I spent around him, the stronger that pull became....