Page 26 of Bound By Crimson
“Yes, it’s perfect… how did you know?”
Kai just grinned.
The Bentley pulled away from the curb.
Lyric glanced out the window. “Where are we going?”
“Brunch,” he said simply. “I’ve arranged it.”
Of course he had.
---
Kai helped her out of the car, hand firm at her back. Every movement was confident, commanding—but never rough. Just enough to remind her who held control.
The restaurant had a rooftop terrace overlooking the river. Private. Secluded. The kind of place Lyric had only ever seen in magazines.
The table was already set with fresh pastries, fruit, and crystal glasses catching the sunlight.
As they sat, Lyric tried to gather her thoughts.
This version of him—daylight Kai—felt slightly different.
Less dangerous. But not safe.
Still carrying that dark, mischievous edge beneath his polished exterior.
She opened her mouth, unsure where to begin.
He spoke first. “I’ve been in New York the past two months.”
Lyric blinked. “What?”
“You were about to ask where I’d gone. I live and work there. That’s why I vanished after the masquerade.” His gaze softened, just slightly. “You crossed my mind more than I expected. I had to come back.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She had a hard time keeping her eyes off his lips.
Kai continued, “I didn’t come back to chase you.” His eyes darkened. “I came back to claim you.”
Her breath caught.
Before she could reply, the waiter appeared. Brunch arrived in swift, silent courses—Kai having pre-ordered everything.
They spoke little about him. When she asked, he deflected smoothly. Not rudely. Just enough to keep the mystery intact.
Instead, he asked about her. Her art. Her dreams. The kinds of questions no one had asked in years.
And he listened—truly listened—as though every word she spoke mattered.
---
When the meal ended, Kai stood and retrieved a black designer bag from the seat beside him. He handed it to her, the tissue paper inside a deep crimson.
“Wear this tonight.”
Lyric opened her mouth, but he cut her off with a look.
“No arguments.”
