Cole brooded on the sofa, his gaze thunderous and unyielding. Gripping a long whip, he seemed to radiate an icy, suffocating energy that drove every last servant to scatter like leaves in a storm.

Myles, Aron, and Hugh stood rigid to the side, hardly daring to breathe.

The living room had sunk into a heavy silence, thick with tension.

Suddenly, Elliana crashed into the scene like a bolt of lightning. Ignoring the uneasy stares, she barreled straight for Cole and, without hesitation, threw herself into his arms. “Coley, my love, I missed you so much! Gimme that gorgeous face—I need some kisses!” she declared, her tone dripping with playful sweetness.

Before Cole could react, Elliana seized his cheeks in both hands and peppered kisses across every inch of his face—forehead, eyelids, nose, lips, and jaw.

Paulina and Barney charged in just in time to witness the spectacle; both frozen mid-step, eyes wide with disbelief.

Myles, Aron, and Hugh could only gawk in shock, jaws practically on the floor.

Planting one knee boldly on the sofa and keeping her other foot anchored to the floor, Elliana boxed Cole in, looming over him with the swagger of a CEO who owned the place. Her confidence was absolute, daring anyone to challenge her claim.

“Coley, I thought about you every single minute I was out,” Elliana teased, breezing past the tension as if nothing had happened. “Did you miss me at all?”

Cole shot her a wounded look, his eyes dark with accusation. “Why did you come back so late?”

Flashing a mischievous smile, Elliana shrugged, her gaze bright and playful. “Come on, Coley. Sure, a good wife spoils her man, but I can’t just let my whole life revolve around you. I’ve got to spend time with my friends, too—keep a little freedom, right?”

She leaned in, pressing her lips firmly to his. “Sorry for making you wait, my love. Don’t stay mad, alright?”

Everyone in the room held their breath, eyes glued to Cole, waiting to see if he’d explode or let it slide.

?: g?ν

To their amazement, Cole’s frigid expression melted the moment Elliana kissed him. The tempest in his gaze faded, replaced by a rare warmth that softened every sharp edge.

Everyone was stunned. Had Elliana really placated Cole just like that? Just moments ago, he’d been all fire and thunder, but now she had him utterly charmed—like she’d snapped her fingers and the storm inside him dissolved.

Cole couldn’t care less about the onlookers. He licked his lips where Elliana’s kiss had grazed, a lazy grin tugging at his mouth. “Creamy spaghetti marinara, huh? That what you had tonight?”

“Mm-hmm.” Elliana nodded, still perched in his lap. “Was it good?”

He shot her a heated look, his voice turning rough with longing. “Could’ve used more flavor. I didn’t really get to savor it. Think you could let me have a real taste this time?”

Elliana just laughed softly and pressed another kiss to his lips—slow, sure, and impossibly sweet.

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