Page 85 of Knot Your Sugar

"More than that," Dorian replies, a touch of warmth in his tone as the car glides to a halt. "It's legacy. My grandfather bought and restored it decades ago."

A butler straight out of a luxury estate brochure opens my door, bowing slightly. "Ms. Avery, Monsieur Beaumont. Refreshments are prepared." He offers a silver tray with chilled, lavender-scented towels that feel divine against my forehead.

"Ah, Gerard, wonderful timing," Dorian says.

Cole lifts me again. I wrap my arms around his neck, inhaling his scent as another cramp washes through my lower stomach.

"Will you be requiring anything further, Monsieur?" Gerard asks, impeccably neutral.

"We are settled, thank you, Gerard. You may take the rest of the day off."

"Very good, sir."

Cole carries me through the arched doorway, Dorian deftly unlocking his massive oak door. The interior literally steals James's and Cole's breath away as they take it all in.

"Sweet mother of pearl," James mutters. "This must have cost more than Lakeview itself."

Dorian chuckles, leading us toward a wing I hadn't seen, stopping in front of a beautiful mahogany door. "The primary suite. Just redone. Best views, most comfortable amenities."

The bedroom is… palatial. The bed could host a small slumber party. Windows open onto a private terrace. A door hints at a spa-sized ensuite. And yes, scattered across the bed are the softest, fluffiest blankets and pillows imaginable. It’s an omega’s heat-nest dream.

Cole gently sets me down. "This is…" I start, but a twinge steals the rest. "It's beautiful."

"Only the best for our Pastry Queen," Dorian quips, concern softening his eyes. "For now, let's get you some water and food," he continues. "Cole, you'll find fresh linens and more comfortable clothing for Elena in the en-suite. James—"

“On it,” James cuts in, already heading to the terrace. “Fresh air coming right up.” He slides the windows open, letting in a soft breeze that smells of pine and lakewater. "And with all the switches in here, I'm betting there's mood lighting."

I watch them, a little dazed, as they move with unspoken coordination. These three powerful alphas, who, in another dimension, could be at each other's throats over me, are working together, creating a haven formycomfort. It’s unexpected and overwhelmingly sweet.

Cole returns from the ensuite with an emerald green silk robe. It shimmers.

"Would this be more… comfortable?" he asks, his gaze gentle.

I nod, my skin practically screaming to be free of the clothes I’ve been in all day. As Cole, ever the gentleman, turns his back and James frowns at the wall of switches (trying to figure out which of the dozen controls what), I slip into the robe. Bliss.

James finally finds how to dim the lights, and Dorian returns with Fiji water, crackers and artisanal cheese.

"How are you feeling,chérie?" Dorian asks.

"Like my skin is too small," I admit. "And everything smells… intense. Distractingly so."

"Including us?" James asks, mischief glinting.

A blush rises. They all smell divine. Cole's cedar and musk, James's bergamot and saffron, Dorian's sandalwood and cinnamon. A symphony just for me.

"We're here for you, Elena," Cole says sincerely. "Whatever you need. Whatyouchoose."

Tears sting at the corners of my eyes. "This probably isn’t how any of you planned to spend your Sunday."

Dorian chuckles. "Candidly, I can think of far worse predicaments."

I laugh, then wince. "Surreal. This morning I was fired. Now I'm a champion, with three amazing alphas… and about to go into heat in a mansion that could have its own zip code."

"Villa," Dorian corrects smoothly. "And as for being fired… surely you don’t still believe that. You’re Pierre’s most valuable asset. He’d be insane not to hire you back." His expression shifts, turning thoughtful. "But honestly, you're ready for more. You should think seriously about opening your own bakery."

I gasp, not from pain. "My own… You think I could?"

"Undoubtedly," Dorian replies, smiling now. "I’ve seen hundreds of bakers rise and fall, and I know you'll succeed more than anyone I've ever met." He pauses, his gaze steady. "You know I could help you, right? With getting it started."

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