ed to Lena's Caf

droom debates, and suffocating expectations. The weight of his empire pressed down on him, a constant reminder t

glow of the overhead lights cast soft shadows across the wooden floors.

l rhythm to her movements-her fingers tapping absentmindedly against the page, the occasional tuck of hair behind her e

small chime of the doorb

cond, surprise flashed in her eyes bef

remarked, closi

dmitted, stepping towar

peg you as the kind to vi

"Maybe I'm u

ffee isn't as ba

from him-something rar

w he wanted it. Somehow, she already knew. As she placed the cup

ou gonna tell me what a guy like you

offee, inhaling the rich

ike the at

s twitched

oken. She didn't treat him like an enigma, nor did she pry with the desperation of someone trying to wi

the kitchen shat

he back. Alexander's instinct for control and efficiency kicked in, an

o pick up a tray of shattered dishes, his hands shaking slightly

e boy stammered.

"it's fine, Mason. It's j

Lena helped him pick up the pieces, completely unfazed by the mess. Her pa

larger shards. Mason's eyes widened

p look, and the boy

er gaze. "You d

ed. "Why

ffled his hair and handed him a broom. "Cl

but his gaze kept flicking toward Alex

her hand, couldn't t

reated him d

, and not now, even af

s wealth, or the power that came wi

hing off his suit. "Y

a brow. "A

o I

ked. "Sh

to win his favor. But Lena Carter? She simply shrugged and returned to the front, le

s life, Alexander Cain w

sure how he fe

last customers trickled out. Mason had finished cleaning and le

ced at his unt

ong gone cold, but he w

er, stealing a glance at

erva

eople don't linger when ther

have my

ag down, eyes na

hat. But you never

ard slightly, his voi

idn't

if you were w

e sent a spark of am

't intim

n't imp

an anything-made

he café's glass do

the dim streetlight, face obscured by the glare of

ightening. Then, as if deciding somethin

stood. "Wh

overing over the lock. "Ju

li

orced casualness in her voice. His world taught hi

e knocked again,

curled. He didn't li

him over her sho

ocked t

the fragile sense of