Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193

Who the hell would believe I could afford even the ribbons?

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“Careful with that one,” William said, nodding at a flat, wide box. “Vintage print. She mentioned it once.”

I lifted it out, the paper smooth and heavy under my fingers. “Right.”

He handed me two more. “And these for the staff party. You’ll give the toast.”

“Sure.” My mouth went dry.

He didn’t move for a second. The cold slipped under my collar. When he finally spoke, it was in that quiet, controlled voice that always felt worse than a shout. “Do I need to remind you of our understanding?”

I kept my eyes on the bow I was straightening. “No.”

“It seems you’re starting to forget who this performance is for.” He adjusted his cuff, not looking at me. “Smiling is easy. Warmth is harder. Find it.”

“I said I’d do my part.”

“You said a lot of things.” A soft smile, the kind you give a stranger. “Lexie is happy. Keep it that way. Or we reevaluate the terms. Immediately.”

A pulse beat in my throat. “I’ve been working on it every day, like you asked. I’m doing it.”

“Then do it well,” he said, and that was the warning. “She has carefully planned these holidays around you and mostly for you. Try to show some enthusiasm. Say yes before she asks. Laugh. Take pictures. Post them-appropriate ones. If a reporter calls, you call me first.”

My jaw worked. “Anything else?”

He let the silence stretch, then his tone softened-almost kind, which made it worse. “Listen to me, son. This doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. My daughter is an extraordinary woman, and as part of this family, I’ll make sure your future is not only secure, but bright as the stars. Fame, success, popularity, money-everything you’ve ever wanted can be yours. Think of your family, Noah. Think of the people you could help… if you just help me in return.” His eyes found mine then, cold and sharp. “I’m offering you the dream of a lifetime. Don’t ruin it.”

We carried the packages through the mudroom where heat wrapped around us and boots thudded onto cedar racks. Down the hall, everything smelled like cinnamon and pine. The foyer rose three stories with a chandelier that threw snowflake shadows across the floor. A twelve-foot tree reached toward the ceiling, its ornaments pale glass and gold, the kind of delicate that dared you to breathe. I caught sight of the mantle: five stockings, all needlepoint, a sixth loop already pinned with a fancy N stitched on it,

My stomach twisted. A place was waiting for me in a picture that wasn’t mine,

Lexie’s voice floated down the stairs, light and excited: “Noah! Come see the view!”

“Go,” William said pleasantly. “Set those by the tree first. The bag with the white ribbon goes upstairs later.”

From the second-floor landing, the mountains rolled out in a hush of white. The slope she’d promised glimmered under a string of path lights leading to a fire pit half-buried in snow. She slid her arm through mine, cheek tipped to my shoulder. “Isn’t it perfect?”

“It is,” I said, and I made my voice warm this time.

Downstairs, I could hear William’s calm voice directing someone about the guest house, the stables, the schedule for the week. The deal hadn’t changed-be the perfect boyfriend in front of everyone. Look how generous, how thoughtful, they would say. And whatever money couldn’t soften, I would. That was the bargain.

His silence in exchange for pieces of me.

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6:11 pm P POE

Chapter 193

William would manage my career, my future, my life. But the worst was still ahead-Christmas morning. The thought alone made my chest tighten, but I drew a deep breath.

Because nothing was too much to keep William from destroying Aiden’s life.

6:11 pm PP

Crossing Lines