Page 31 of Bound By Crimson
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As the night deepened, Kai grew quieter.
Finally, he leaned forward, taking her hand. “I wish I could keep you here all night. But I have to leave.”
Her stomach tightened. “Leave?”
“There’s been an issue with one of my international clients. I must fly out tonight.”
Lyric swallowed the lump in her throat. “Oh.”
“I didn’t want to tell you earlier. I didn’t want it hanging over tonight.” He squeezed her hand. “But I couldn’t leave without seeing you first.”
“Can I have your number?”
Lyric nodded, managing a smile. “Finally.”
She recited it, and he entered it into his phone, showing her the screen to confirm.
“I’ll text you as soon as I land. And I’ll call. Often.”
As they stood, he led her to the edge of the terrace. The cool breeze stirred her hair.
Kai cupped her chin gently, tilting her face up.
“I’m going to ask you for something.”
“What?”
“I want you to wait for me.”
Every nerve lit up, and her breath stuttered.
She hesitated—but only for a second. She already knew her answer.
“Will you?”
Lyric nodded. “Yes.”
A slow smile curved his lips. “Good.”
He leaned down, kissing her slowly—a kiss full of promises not yet spoken.
When he pulled back, his voice dropped to a whisper.
“Because if I didn’t have to leave tonight, I’d already be making you mine.”
Chapter Nine
Ghosts and Goodbyes
The days after the dinner blurred together.
Kai had texted once he landed, just as he’d promised. Then again, the next day. Short, careful messages. Nothing overwhelming. Just enough to keep her thinking about him.
And she did. Constantly.
But life went on. She worked her shifts. Sketching between customers. She loved sketching gowns, jackets, entire outfits—always dreaming about what they could become.
