<b>Chapter </b><b>174 </b>
“I’m fine,” I assured him, though the dizziness hadn’tpletely subsided. “Just need to sit for a minute.
Dominic frowned, clearly not convinced. “Maybeing back today wasn’t the best idea.”
“No, I needed this,” I insisted. “I can’t let her or anyone else intimidate me. I’m going to be Luna someday, right<b>? </b><b>I </b>need to be stronger than that.”
A small smile touched his lips. “You’re already stronger than most wolves I know.” He turned to Vivian. “I’m canceling my next meeting. And Reba should take an early lunch.”
“Already done, sir,” Vivian replied efficiently.
I rose carefully from my chair, gathering my purse. “I’ll just go down to the café in the lobby. I need some fresh air anyway<b>.</b><b>” </b>
“I don’t like the idea of you being alone after this,” Dominic said, his protective instincts clearly in overdrive.
“The café is in our building, surrounded by your security team,” I reminded him gently. “I’ll be fine. You have work to
do.”
He hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“I will,” I promised, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze before heading to the elevator.
As the doors closed, I leaned against the wall, finally allowing myself to feel the full weight of the encounter with Elizabeth. My hands trembled slightly as the adrenaline faded, leaving behind exhaustion and a lingering sense of unease. Whatever Elizabeth’s agenda was, I doubted this would be thest we’d see of her. And next time, I would need to be better prepared.
I found a quiet café a block away, ordering a ginger tea and some in toast to settle my stomach. The café was half–empty, peacefulpared to the morning rush, and I chose a table by the window where I could watch the world go by.
As I nibbled on my toast, I couldn’t help reying the interaction with Elizabeth. Her calcted attempts to exhaust me<b>, </b>the proprietary way she’d touched Dominic’s arm, her dismissive attitude toward me–it all pointed to someone who viewed me aspetition rather than Dominic’s chosen mate.
“Penny for your thoughts<b>?</b>”
I startled at the familiar voice, looking up to find Adrian standing beside my table, a leather messenger bag slung over his shoulder and a coffee in hand. The university professor looked just as <b>I </b>remembered him<b>–</b>sandy hair slightly disheveled, intelligent eyes behind fashionable sses, dressed in a tweed jacket that somehow managed to
<b>9:14 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>B
look stylish rather than stuffy.
“Adrian,” I said, surprised. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
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“This café has the best espresso in the district. Mind if I join you?” He asked with a warm smile.
I hesitated. Adrian had made his interest in me clear during our previous encounters, and although I’d politely declined, he hadn’t seemed ready to ept my rtionship with Dominic. Still, it seemed rude to refuse such a simple request in a public ce.
“Sure,” I finally said, gesturing to the empty chair across from me.
He settled in, setting his coffee and bag on the table. “You look well, Reba. I heard you were taking some time off after… recent events.” His expression turned sympathetic. “I was sorry to hear about your brother.”
“Thank you,” I said softly, looking down at my tea. “It’s been difficult, but I’m managing.”
Adrian nodded, studying me over the rim of his coffee cup. “And you’re back at work now? At Sterling Group?”
“Yes, today’s my first day back,” I confirmed, taking another small bite of toast.
“Not drinking coffee today?” he asked, nodding toward my tea.
I shook my head. “Just feeling a little under the weather. Tea seemed safer.”
His eyes narrowed slightly in concern. “I hope you’re not pushing yourself too hard. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve some peace.”
“I’m fine, really,” I assured him. “Getting back to normal life is exactly what I need right now.”
Adrian leaned forward, his expression earnest. “Have you given any more thought to what we discussedst time? About Sterling and his world?”
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