Ryan leaned back in his office chair, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the polished wood of his desk. The usual silence of his penthouse was interrupted only by the occasional beep of his phone. It was Saturday, and instead of drowning himself in work, he had a better idea—breakfast with Emily and Kia.
A rare smirk played at the corner of his lips as he dialed Kia's number. The phone barely rang twice before she answered.
"What's up, boss man?" Kia teased, her voice slightly groggy.
Ryan rolled his eyes. "Don't call me that. Get Emily ready in two hours; I'm sending Miko to pick you both up for breakfast."
There was a pause before Kia hummed. "Hmm, so thoughtful. Any special reason?"
Ryan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Just thought it would be better than rotting away in my office."
"Right," Kia drawled, amusement evident in her tone. "Has nothing to do with a certain someone?"
Ryan chuckled, a rare sound that even caught him off guard. "Just get her ready."
Kia laughed, a contagious, lighthearted sound that made his smirk widen. "Fine, fine. But if she eats more than her weight in food, don't say I didn't warn you."
"I already know," Ryan replied smoothly, before ending the call.
His mind drifted, the smirk fading into something softer. Emily. The thought of her consumed him. He envisioned her in the dress he had given her, the way the moonlight had kissed her skin that night. She was everything he desired, and yet, he had to pace himself—had to make sure she didn't sense just how deep his obsession ran.
Shaking himself from his trance, he pressed a button on his desk. Moments later, Miko stepped in, standing at attention.
"Get the girls in two hours," Ryan ordered. "Make sure Emily is comfortable."
Miko gave a slight nod. "Understood, boss."
As soon as the door closed behind his bodyguard, Ryan exhaled deeply. He had already informed the kitchen staff to prepare a meal fit for queens. Today wasn't just breakfast—it was another chance to be near her, to study her, to admire her without raising suspicion.
His hands tightened into fists against the desk.
She would be his.
No matter what it took.