Page 41 of Frost and Felines

The undeniable truth hit her like a lightning bolt - she was in love with Kieran Striker. Not just attracted to him, not just enjoying his company. Full-blown, heart-racing, stomach-fluttering love. The kind that made her want to throw caution to the wind and kiss him senseless. The kind that terrified her.

"This wasn't supposed to happen," she whispered to the empty room. The fire crackled in response, as if mocking her predicament.

She pressed her fingers to her lips, still tingling from the almost-kiss. What would it have felt like if she hadn't pulled away? Would his kiss be gentle like his touch, or demanding like his presence?

She shook her head, trying to dislodge the dangerous thoughts. She couldn't afford to wonder about things like that. Once the bridge was fixed, she needed to leave. Return to her solitary life where she couldn't hurt anyone. Where she couldn't lose anyone else she loved.

But as she touched the spot where Kieran's fingers had brushed her cheek, she wasn’t so sure she was strong enough to walk away.

19

KIERAN

Kieran balanced the basket of treats in one arm while keeping his other hand at the small of Mallory's back as they moved down the hallway that afternoon. The scent of cinnamon and sugar from the fresh-baked cookies mingled with the pine garlands decorating the corridors. His tiger was content at having her so close.

"Room 212," Charlotte called out, consulting her clipboard. "The Williams family."

"I've got this one." Mallory stepped forward and knocked. The door opened to reveal two excited children who squealed when they saw the candy canes.

"Merry Christmas!" Kieran looked on as Mallory bent down to their level, her blonde hair catching the warm hallway lights. She handed each child a cookie and candy cane with such genuine warmth that his chest tightened.

"You're really good with kids," he murmured when she rejoined him.

"Don't sound so surprised," she replied dryly. "I did teach piano lessons before..."

She trailed off, that familiar shadow crossing her face. Kieran squeezed her hand. "Hey, want to hear about the time I accidentally set the kitchen on fire trying to make gingerbread men?"

Her smile was worth every bit of embarrassment from that story. "How did you manage that?"

"Pure talent." He winked. "And possibly some very flammable bourbon in the recipe."

They continued down the hall, trading stories between stops. Chase and Amy had gone ahead to the next floor while Charlotte brought up the rear, making notes about which rooms still needed visits.

At the next door, an elderly couple cooed over them being "such a lovely young married couple." Kieran felt Mallory tense slightly beside him, but he just smiled, wrapping his arm snugly around her waist.

"Thank you," he said smoothly. "I'm a very lucky man."

The words felt too true. He caught Mallory's gaze and for a moment the air crackled between them, just like in her room earlier. His tiger urged him strongly to close the distance, to finally taste those lips that had been tempting him for weeks.

But he held back. She had to be ready. Had to want it as much as he did.

"Next floor?" she asked softly, breaking the moment.

"Lead the way, sweetheart." He followed, content for now just to be near her, even if his heart yearned for more.

Several hours later, Kieran hefted another string of lights while watching Mallory arrange poinsettias on the tables. The way she bit her lip in concentration made his tiger rumble with approval.

A sudden flash of movement outside the window caught his eye.

"That sneaky bastard," he muttered, spotting Gregory's expensive wool coat as the man crept toward the utility area.

Mallory's head snapped up. "What is it?"

"Gregory. He's going for the breaker box." Kieran dropped the lights and headed for the door. "Coming?"

"Right behind you."

The freezing air hit them as they burst outside. Gregory stood by the electrical panel, chaos magic crackling between his fingers like dark lightning.

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