Chapter 30
He gently laid her on the bed, careful as if she were something fragile, something precious. He fluffed the pillows behind her, adjusting them one by one, easing her up until she was comfortably supported.
“Better?” he asked softly.
She nodded.
“Good p>
He straightened slightly, his voice low but steady.
“No more solo battles. You’re down? I’m in. Whatever we are… this changes nothing,” he paused, his gaze lingering on her face, “and everything p>
She wasn’t used to this—being taken care of like this. Not since she had given birth to the babies. She had learned to be strong, independent, to push through exhaustion without complaint. Yet watching him now, so focused, so gentle, made something warm flutter in her chest. Her heart betrayed her for a moment.
She caught herself quickly and looked away, regaining her composure.
Cassian returned with a clean cloth, dipping it into cool water. He wrung it gently before pressing it softly to her forehead, his touch careful and unhurried.
“Shh,” he murmured. “I’ve got you. Breathe, tell me if it’s too cold p>
She relaxed slightly under his touch.
“I’ll bring you some soup and medicine,” he continued, a faint, reassuring smile appearing on his lips. “Just lay down p>
He turned and walked into the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves without a second thought. He moved around quietly, preparing the soup with surprising familiarity, focused and intent, as if nothing else in the world mattered at that moment.
She lay there meanwhile, staring at the ceiling, listening to the distant sounds of him moving around. The apartment felt different, warmer, fuller, quieter in a way that unsettled her heart.
After a few minutes, Cassian emerged with a bowl of soup in his hands. He set it carefully on the bedside table before turning back to her.
“Easy,” he said gently, slipping one arm around her waist and the other behind her back as he helped her sit up. As he did, his lips brushed lightly against her neck,accidental, fleeting yet enough to make her breath hitch. His hands stayed firm but respectful around her waist, steadying her until she was settled.
He pulled back just enough to look at her, concern still etched across his features, as if he was silently promising himself not to let anything happen to her.
She felt it instantly, those unexpected butterflies swirling low in her stomach, light and unsteady, betraying her calm.
“Open wide, tough girl,” he said softly, lifting the spoon. “One spoonful. Order from me.” A faint smirk touched his lips. “Trust me, it tastes better than it looks. Promise p>
She obeyed, and he fed her the soup slowly, carefully, as if afraid to rush her. With every spoonful, warmth spread through her, not just from the soup, but from him.
From the way he watched her, attentive and patient. It felt so good… having someone take care of her like this. After years of being strong for everyone else, she felt content in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time.
“Good,” he murmured when she finished. “Now, medicine p>
He handed her the pill and waited until she swallowed it.
“And if it gets worse,” he added quietly, “I’m taking you to the hospital. No arguments. Rest now. Get well soon p>
He turned to leave.
Her fingers reached out instinctively, gently catching his hand before he could step away.
“Don’t go,” she whispered. “Please… stay.” Her voice softened, vulnerable. “Feels safe… you in bed. No leaving. Even if we’re not… us… yet p>
That did it.
He didn’t say a word. He simply came back to the bed and lay beside her, pulling her into his arms, wrapping her close as if she belonged there. His face nuzzled into the curve of her neck, warm breath brushing her skin.
“It’s been so long since I held you like this,” he murmured against her neck, his hand resting on her stomach, caressing gently, protectively.
Her eyes closed, her voice barely above a breath.
“I missed you… so much, Cassian. And I don’t want to admit it p>
She paused, then added softly, almost defensively, “Don’t read too much into my words. I’m just… sick. Talking nonsense p>
He chuckled quietly, the sound low and warm against her skin.
Somewhere between the steady rhythm of their breathing and the comfort of being held, they drifted off without realizing it.
Then, there’s knock.
Cassian stirred, blinking awake. For a moment, he was disoriented. Then he felt her in his arms. Mira. Warm. Real.
Relief flooded him.
The knock came again.
Carefully, he loosened his hold and gently extracted himself from the bed, making sure not to wake her. He glanced back once, watching her sleep peacefully, before turning toward the door.
He opened it.
Ryan stood there, posture straight as always, eyes flicking briefly past Cassian’s shoulder.
“Sir,” Ryan said quietly, lowering his voice. “It’s evening. You missed the meeting.” He paused, then added, “I’ve rescheduled it for tomorrow. I assumed you might need… rest p>
His gaze drifted toward the bedroom, and a knowing, gentle smile crossed his face for just a second.
“And… Mr. Rowan is here,” Ryan continued. “He’s waiting outside. He asked to see Ms. Serrano p>
Cassian’s jaw clenched instantly. The muscles in his face tightened as something dark and dangerous settled in his eyes.
Without a word, he stepped out of the bedroom.
Kael Rowan stood in the living area, tall and unyielding, his presence commanding without effort. He didn’t greet Cassian. Didn’t acknowledge him at all.
“Where is Mira?” Kael asked, his voice deep, sharp with restrained urgency.
“She’s not your concern anymore,” Cassian replied coldly, stepping closer. His eyes darkened, daring him to challenge that statement.
Kael’s gaze didn’t waver.
“You hosted,” Kael said evenly. “I take over now. Get her ready. Or I will p>
He moved as if to walk past Cassian, already searching for the bedroom.
Cassian stepped into his path instantly.
“Over my dead body,” Cassian growled. “She’s staying. Try taking her. See what happens p>
Before either man could move again, the bedroom door opened.
Mira stepped out slowly, one hand pressed to her head as she rubbed her temple, her movements sluggish from exhaustion.
“Kael she murmured.
In a split second, Kael shoved Cassian’s hand away with force and rushed toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“You okay?” Kael asked urgently, his arms firm around her. “You’re sick. I told you not to meet him when you’re not well. You shouldn’t be here.” He pulled back slightly, inspecting her face. “Come on. Let’s go p>
Cassian’s vision burned.
His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, veins bulging as fury surged through him.
“Hands off,” Cassian snapped.
He grabbed Mira, ripping her from Kael’s arms and pulling her flush against himself, one arm firm around her waist, possessive and unyielding.
“She’s not yours to touch p>
Kael’s eyes hardened.
“She’s not yours either,” he shot back.