Chapter 8

"Wanting you is the whole problem, Caius."

Elowen pushed against his hard chest and ducked under his arm. Her chest was moving up and down fast. Her face felt hot. She backed up across the living room and put the big leather couch between them.

"Just because my body wants you does not mean I trust you," she said, crossing her arms tight. "You bought my debts on paper. You did it to get your grandfather's money. I will smile at dinner. I will stand next to you when people take photos. But do not stand in the dark and ask me what happens when we stop faking it. It will end in a mess."

Caius did not run after her. He just stood near the door with his hands down, watching her with those heavy gray eyes.

"Run to the bedroom, Elowen," he said in a calm, deep voice. "It does not change anything. You cannot run away from what you feel."

"Goodnight, Caius."

She walked fast to the master bedroom, shut the door, and went into the bathroom. She turned on the tap and threw cold water on her face to cool down.

The next day, the big house felt way too quiet.

Caius was locked inside his private office all morning, talking on business phone calls. His deep voice came through the thick wood door every time Elowen walked past.

Elowen needed something to do. She could not just sit around doing nothing.

She walked into the big kitchen. Everything was shiny and cold. It looked like nobody ever cooked there. She opened the pantry and found big bags of flour, sugar, butter, and yeast. Marcus had bought everything she needed.

Elowen tied a dark apron around her waist and rolled up her sleeves.

She started mixing the flour and butter. For two hours, she did not think about the Ashbourne family. She did not think about the contract. She did not think about the baby rule. Her hands moved fast, kneading the soft dough and spreading cinnamon and brown sugar over it. Soon, the whole kitchen smelled sweet and warm.

A soft sound behind her made her stop.

Elowen turned around and wiped her forehead with her arm.

Caius was standing in the doorway. His suit jacket was gone. His tie was gone. His top shirt buttons were open, and his white sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing his strong arms. He held a glass of water and looked right at her.

"You turned my kitchen into a bakery," he said. His voice was soft, not cold like usual.

"I had to do something," Elowen said, lifting her chin. "I cannot sit on the couch all day waiting for your grandfather to give us more orders."

"I like it," Caius said. He walked over and put his glass on the counter. "The house finally smells like a real home."

"Do not act surprised. I ran my own shop for two years before the bank took it."

"I know."

He walked around the island counter. He stopped right in front of her. He was so close that she could feel the heat coming off his body.

"What are you doing?" Elowen asked. Her hands gripped the wooden rolling pin.

"Looking at you."

"You will get white flour on your expensive shirt."

"I do not care about the shirt."

Caius lifted his hand and used his thumb to wipe a spot of white flour off her cheek. His skin was warm and rough. That simple touch sent a jolt of fire straight to her stomach.

Elowen backed up, but her legs hit the counter behind her. She had nowhere else to go.

"We need to talk about Arthur," she said, trying hard to think straight. "I will not have a baby just because your grandfather wants an heir. If you and I do anything real, it cannot be for his money."

"I agree," Caius said. His voice was low and rough.

Elowen looked at him, surprised. "You agree?"

"I told you before, little baker. I will not force you. I do not want you to say yes just because of a contract. I want you because you want me."

Elowen looked up into his gray eyes. The cold businessman was gone. This man was looking at her like he wanted to eat her up. Her heart beat hard in her throat.

"Then stop looking at me like that," Elowen whispered.

Caius put his hands on the counter on both sides of her hips. He leaned in, trapping her completely.

"Like what?" he asked, his warm breath hitting her cheek.

Her breath got stuck in her throat.

"Like you are about to kiss me."

His eyes dropped down to her mouth.

"That is because I am.”