Page 104 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

"Thank you," I said softly, looking at each of them in turn. "For everything you're doing. For making me feel safe even when everything else feels chaotic."

Gabriel's hand squeezed my shoulder gently. "That's what we're here for."

"Not just because it's our job," Dakota added, his deep voice rumbling with sincerity. "Because we care about you."

I nodded, emotion tightening my throat. The events of the day—from working in the greenhouse to my intimate encounters with Lucas and Gabriel, to this sobering discussion about why I'd been targeted—had left me emotionally exhausted. I stifled a yawn behind my hand, suddenly aware of how tired I truly was.

"You should rest," Gabriel said, noticing immediately. "It's been a long day."

"I'm fine," I protested weakly, even as my body betrayed me with another yawn.

Lucas chuckled beside me. "Your body disagrees, flower girl."

"You've processed a lot today," Theo observed, studying me with those analytical eyes that somehow still managed to convey concern. "Both emotionally and intellectually. Sleep would be beneficial for cognitive processing."

I smiled at his clinical way of telling me to go to bed. "When you put it that way, how can I argue?"

Dakota stood, extending his hand to me. "I'll walk you up."

Something in his quiet offer made my heart flutter despite my exhaustion. I placed my hand in his, allowing him to help me to my feet. His palm was warm and rough against mine, his strength evident in the gentle way he supported me.

"Goodnight," I said to the others, suddenly shy despite the intimacy I'd shared with two of them today.

Gabriel nodded, his blue eyes warm. "Sleep well, Vivian."

"We'll continue our investigation first thing tomorrow," Theo added, already returning his attention to his tablet though his eyes lingered on me a moment longer than necessary.

Lucas winked at me, his usual playfulness returning. "Sweet dreams, flower girl. I know mine will be."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks at his implication, but Dakota was already guiding me toward the stairs, his solid presence beside me somehow both exciting and comforting. We walked in comfortable silence, his hand at the small of my back, until we reached my bedroom door. I turned to face him, suddenly aware of how close we were standing, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of my shirt.

"Thank you for walking me up," I said softly, looking up to meet his dark eyes.

Dakota nodded, his gaze intense as it held mine. "I wanted a moment alone with you," he admitted, his deep voice low enough that only I could hear. "To make sure you're really okay with everything that happened today."

I knew he wasn't just referring to the case developments. "You mean with Lucas and Gabriel," I said, not a question.

"Yes." His expression remained serious, but there was no judgment in his eyes, only concern. “Want to make sure we aren’t pushing you.”

I reached out, placing my hand on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath my palm. "I appreciate your concern, Dakota. I really do. But I promise, everything that happened today was my choice."

His dark eyes studied me, searching for any hint of uncertainty. "You've been through a lot. I don't want any of us to take advantage of that."

"You're not," I assured him, touched by his protectiveness. "If anything, being with all of you has helped me feel more... myself again. More in control of my own choices."

Dakota's expression softened slightly, the stern lines of his face easing. "Good," he said simply. His hand came up to cover mine where it rested against his chest. "Your happiness matters to me, Vivian."

The quiet sincerity in his voice made my heart flutter. Dakota wasn't one for flowery declarations or teasing flirtation, but there was something powerful in his straightforward concern, his quiet attentiveness.

"Yours matters to me too," I replied softly, surprising myself with my boldness. "All of you do."

His hand tightened slightly over mine, his dark eyes warming. "May I kiss you goodnight?" he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I nodded, my heart quickening. "Yes."

Unlike Lucas's playfulness or Gabriel's commanding presence, Dakota's approach was deliberate, almost reverent. He leaned down slowly, giving me plenty of time to change my mind, before his lips touched mine with surprising gentleness. His kiss was unhurried, thorough—a man who took his time and did things right. His free hand came up to cup my face, thumb stroking my cheek as he deepened the kiss with careful intensity.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes were darker than before, pupils dilated with desire he was clearly keeping in check. His thumb traced my lower lip, his expression intense as he studied my face.

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