?Chapter 257:


    Elliana shot Cole an exasperated look. “Did you really have to be that harsh with a kid?”


    Cole let out a dry snort. “Kid? That so-called kid’s already plotting to swipe his cousin’s wife ten years from now. That little troublemaker’s got ambition and a ybook to match!”


    Elliana’s lips twitched, but she didn’t bother replying. Instead, she climbed into the car without a word. There was no point arguing when Cole was on a roll. Plus, she couldn’t care less about his rant about Jeff. Not far off, Myles, Aron, and Hugh tilted their heads skyward, trying hard to keep fromughing out loud.


    Cole sent a sharp re in their direction before sliding into the car beside Elliana.


    Myles caught the cue and quickly stepped up, shutting the door behind them before iming the passenger seat up front. Aron and Hugh followed without dy, squeezing into the back with practiced ease.


    As soon as everyone was settled, Myles flipped up the privacy divider. The space where Cole and Elliana sat now felt like its own quiet cocoon. Without a word, Cole scooped her up and dropped her right onto hisp.


    After days of being dragged around like luggage, Elliana barely reacted. The moment shended, she leaned into him, curling up against his chest like it was second nature.


    Cole had always been drawn to Elliana’s fire—bold, spirited, and unapologetically her. She had turned him down not long ago, leaving him restless, frustrated, and muttering curses about her being a heartbreaker. But when she finally said yes to him, everything shifted. The walls came down. She let him hold her close and kiss her, and sometimes, she even made the first move.


    Cole had to admit that, annoying as Jeff could be, he had been right about one thing—Elliana was a treasure. Winning her over hadn’t been easy. It was like chasing a wild spark in the wind. But now that she was his, he felt like he’d stepped into a dream—a soft, golden haze of joy he never wanted to leave.


    Lost in thought, Cole suddenly felt a soft warmth on his lips—Elliana had kissed him out of nowhere. Her kiss was light and sweet, carrying the faint scent of flowers. Every time her lips touched his, it unraveled something deep inside him.


    “Thank you,” Elliana murmured, her voice a soft whisper, almost shy. Cole gazed at her, his eyes filled with nothing but her. His voice was hoarse as he asked, “For what?”


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    She nestled closer, resting her palms against his chest and tilting her face up to meet his gaze. “For standing up to Irene for me,” she said. “And foring with me tough at Trinity. That meant a lot.”


    Cole’s arms wrapped instinctively around her waist, pulling her in. The silence between them was warm, full of unspoken things.


    “So…” he said, tilting his head slightly. “How exactly are you going to thank me?”


    Before he could even finish the sentence, she leaned in and kissed him again.


    This time, she took her time. Her kiss was unpracticed—sweet, a little unsure—but filled with intention. She mimicked the way he kissed her, lingering longer, growing bolder with each touch.


    Cole didn’t rush her. He stayed still, letting her explore. But soon, her soft kisses awakened a hunger in him that her delicate pace couldn’t satisfy. His need red.


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