Page 94 of Love so Cold

They all turn to me expectantly, and I feel my cheeks grow warm. "I, uh..." I start, my voice barely above a whisper.

Just as I'm about to stammer out that I'm a waitress, Victor's voice cuts in smoothly.

"She's an incredible artist," he says, his hand resting on my shoulder. "And a community leader. Actually," he adds with a chuckle, "she's currently leading the charge against my new development project."

I glance at him, surprised by his words and the hint of pride in his voice.

Lawrence raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh? And how's that working out for you two?"

Victor and I exchange a look, a silent conversation passing between us.

"We're... still figuring it out," I admit, feeling a small smile tug at mylips.

"It's complicated," Victor adds, his blue eyes twinkling.

Lawrence and Willow burst into laughter. "Oh, we know all about that," Willow says, her green hair shimmering as she shakes her head.

"Do tell," I say, grateful for the shift in focus.

Willow grins. "I led an entire team to occupy land Lawrence was trying to build a pipeline on. We were at each other's throats for months."

"And now look at us," Lawrence adds, his fiery demeanor softening as he gazes at his wife.

"If we found common ground, I'm sure you two will too," Willow says with a wink.

As the conversation shifts, Victor, Lawrence, and Sebastian fall into a discussion about business trends. I listen for a while, but soon feel overwhelmed by the jargon and my own swirling thoughts.

"Excuse me for a moment," I murmur, slipping off my stool.

I make my way to Victor's room, seeking refuge in the adjoining bathroom. Leaning against the cool tile, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Why am I so nervous? My hands are shaking, and I can't seem to shake this feeling of being out of place.

Deep breaths, Avery. Just breathe.

The door creaks open and Victor's silhouette fills the space, his frame casting a long shadow across the bathroomtiles. He finds me by the sink, my fingers gripped tight on the edge.

"Hey," he says softly, concern etching his features. "You okay?"

I shake my head, not trusting my voice just yet. His arms enfold me in a warm embrace that steadies my shaking form. I inhale the familiar scent of him, a mixture of cologne and something inherently Victor that calms my nerves.

"I don't know," I admit, my words muffled against his shirt. "I got... overwhelmed, I guess. Nervous."

"Hey, it's okay." His voice is firm, reassuring. "Your feelings are valid, Avery. But, don't worry about impressing anyone. They all really like you. And even if they didn't..." He pulls back to look at me, blue eyes intense. "They can go to hell."

I can't help but laugh, a short burst of sound that echoes off the walls. "That should matter to you, though. They're your family."

He looks at me with a seriousness that catches my breath. "I want you and Olivia to be my family too."

The words hang between us, and it feels like the world stops spinning for a moment. I'm stunned, searching his face for the truth behind those words.

Then there's a knock at the bedroom door. We both turn as Olivia pops her head in, her eyes bright with excitement. "The guys sent me to tell you the caterer's here!"

"Thanks, Liv," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

"Be right there," Victor adds, giving her a small smile. She nods, disappearing as swiftly as she appeared.

Victor leans in, his lips brushing my ear. "We'll talk more later," he whispers, a promise that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Later," I echo, watching him go. My heart's still doing somersaults, but somehow, I feel like everything's going to be alright.

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