Everyone had already gathered in the main villa, except for two.Aria immediately scanned the table and narrowed her eyes. “Where are Cecil and Jacob?”She and Mason had just taken their seats when Mason casually answered, “They went to the city. Jacob’s running an errand for me and decided to bring Cecil along. They won’t be back tonight—we’ll meet them at the mansion tomorrow before the mission.”Aria raised an intrigued brow. “Cecil agreed to go with him? That’s… unexpected.”Diana leaned forward, a knowing smile on her lips. “Not just that—Cecil told me Jacob asked her out on a date after he finished his errand. That’s why
“Auntie!!!”Aria jolted upright, heart pounding from the sudden cry that pierced her sleep.“Nina?” she called out, eyes darting around in alarm.But her panic melted into bewilderment—and then softened into a stunned smile—as she caught sight of the chaos in the room.“So many flowers!” Nina squealed in delight, her tiny hands fluttering between the colorful explosions of roses, carnations, and gerberas that blanketed the room. “Look! There’s a unicorn plushie too!”She picked up the stuffed toy with sparkling eyes.“N...i...n...a…” she read slowly. “It says my name! This is mine!” With a squeal, she hugged it tight and bounced back to the bed like it was Christmas morning.Aria remained frozen, still trying to make sense of what she was seeing. The room was overflowing with flowers in every hue imaginable. Bouquets were everywhere, on the floor, desk, chair, lined the windowsills, and even spilled over on top of the dresser. It looked like a florist had exploded.And then, the door
Cecil’s POVHe’d completely lost control. His lips devoured mine—desperate, wild, barely letting me breathe.“Jacob…” I gasped when I finally managed to pull away just enough to speak.He didn’t answer. His mouth chased mine again, relentless, until I pushed against his chest—firm, needing space.“Jacob. Listen…”He pressed his forehead against mine, eyes burning, and gently placed a finger on my lips to silence me.“I’m sorry if I was too much,” he whispered. “I just... want you so damn bad. My wolf’s going mad from holding back—and so am I. But I already know what you're going to say, and I’ll respect it. I’ll wait, Cecil. Just like you asked me to.”I blinked, stunned. Wait? What the hell was he talking about?“What are you even saying?” I asked.“You wanted to take it slow, right?” he replied, eyes filled with certainty. “You said you needed time to see if you’d like me.”I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. “That’s not what I was going to say.”His brows furrowed. He looked genuinel
Cecil’s POV“Truth or dare,” Jacob asked casually, but I barely heard him.My mind was still spinning from what he just revealed.“That doesn’t make sense,” I said, frowning. “You’ve only kissed one woman, but you’ve slept with… many? How is that even possible?”Jacob chuckled, like I just told him a joke. “You’re adorable, you know that?”“What? I’m being serious!” I snapped, heat rising to my cheeks. “I asked a question.”“And you’re too innocent,” he teased, his ey
Cecil’s POVWhat started out as a harmless game turned into something else entirely. Jacob kept drinking, and each round pushed a little further—his dares getting bolder, his questions sharper, more daring. I wasn’t sure if he’d remember all of this tomorrow, but I was definitely planning to tease him if he did.And hell, since this was where we were headed, I might as well lean into it. Own it.“My turn again,” I said, eyes locked on his. “Truth or dare?”“Dare,” he replied without hesitation—again.Of course. That’s all he’s been choosing lately. Time to up the sta
Cecil’s POV“Why not both?” I dared, my voice filled with challenge. Jacob’s smirk deepened, amused and intrigued.Little did he know, I had a high tolerance for alcohol. It would take more than a few bottles to break me. If he planned to test my limits tonight… let’s see who’d end up surprising who.I watched as he knelt in front of the old fridge, pulling out a couple of frosted vodka bottles. “Damn, you’re prepared,” I said, one brow lifting.He let out a low chuckle. “I was planning to renovate this place and stay here. That’s why I had the maids clean it up and load the fridge with booze. I hate being in the main villa—too much noise