onest reply in a low voice. "I stay on guard arou

ked through with rain. Any trace of teasing faded from his face as he lowered his hand and set the toy gun aside. "Ther

, she figured there was no point expecting cour

her shoulders finally eased. She moved closer and took a seat across

aking that as a cue, she opened the box, walked him through the basi

inquired gently, "Do you want to set a finger

e, outlining her silhouette. From Connor's vantage point, the curve of her neckl

ent, steady eyes made everything about her feel unexpectedly distinct. A quiet jo

o he turned his eyes aside and stated coolly, deliberately maint

ed quickly, guiding his finger acros

ntly damp, and surprisingly soft. Color lingered in her cheeks, a healthy

ation. He'd always despised letting anyone stir his

her before speaking in an even, detached

l nod, clearly accepting the boundary.

remarkable, yet its weight seemed heavier than

e queried, "Why did

Nicole answered softly, "Since we're ma

"That makes sense," he replied casually, his voice laced with indiff

Nicole had no ide

.

outfits to be delivered, enough to fill the room and give her end

accepted it without hesitation and said softly, "Don't worry.

onnor responded in a detached t

place seriously, carrying herself with the quiet

n, disappearing early in the day to han

had purchased for him, but the inspection turned up nothing suspicious. Eve

Reed, as a newlywed, maybe it's time to brush up on your husban

Connor answered in a steady voice, "Sure-b

on his own words, his playful

y, "Even if Nicole is not a threat, she's still inexperienced without any skills. Do y

ve-no achievements worth highlighting. At

with quiet composure, "Turning scraps into

at? You're not expecting her to cook a feast

ad and find me a superwoman who can w

shut Samuel

t, Connor's p

king Connor's phone and hadn't logged off

ice. "Mr. Reed, are you done for the day? I've got