All Chapters of Paperwork and Hearthbeats: Chapter 191 - Chapter 200

“I am kidding,” Tera said playfully as she rounded the counter. “I have not had a bite yet.” Marius let out a breath he had not realized he was holding, a small, genuine smile finally breaking through the tension in his face. he shed his coat and tossed it over the back of his chair, the weight of the day finally starting to lift. “You are a cruel woman, Tera,” he said, walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder breathing in the scent of her shampoo– something floral and clean that had nothing to do with expensive perfume or corporate boardrooms. “I was genuinely worried about those spring rolls,” he murmured against her skin. He pulled back just enough to look at the spread on the counter. The containers were open, steam still rising from the Kung Pao chicken. It looked perfect. “Smells incredible,” he said, reaching for a pair of chopsticks.&ldq

Around 8 PM, Tera paused the series. “Want to head to bed?” she asked suggestively. The suggestion hung in the air like a warm invitation, and the shadow of Seraphina felt completely eclipsed. Marius set his white tea much down on the coffee table with a soft clink, his yellow green eyes dark and focused entirely on Tera. “I thought you would never ask,” he said, his voice dropping into a low, husky register. He reached out, his hand sliding behind her neck, his fingers tangling in her bland hair as he pulled her toward him. the kiss was slow at first, tasting of peach tea and lingering spice, but it deepened quickly. Big Bang theory remained paused on the screen, Sheldon Cooper frozen in some absurd pose, forgotten. Marius stood up, pulling Tra with him, his lips never leaving hers as he guided her toward the bedroom. The weight of the office, the secrets, and the looming briefing felt miles away, buried under the simple, urgent need to be close to her.

After Harper left Sommons’, Knox was still sitting at the bar, having one last cocktail. In front of him is a classic, crystal clear martini style cocktail in a traditional wide, V-shaped martini glass with a very think, delicate stem and a broad circular base. A long, curled strip of tallow lemon peel is visible inside the lower portion of the glass beside a green olive resting on a long cocktail pick garnished across the rim. As he took a small sip of his martini, a man slides into the bar stool beside him and ordered a whisky neat. The man is tall, with a strong defined jawline; prominent cheekbones; a straight well-defined nose and slightly narrowed hazel brown eyes. Knox notices his short, neatly styled brown hair and closely groomed facial hair. The man was wearing an exceptionally formal charcoal black three-piece style suit ensemble. The jacket is sharply tailored with broad, structured shoulders; narrow, elegant lapels; a fitted torso and a clean breast pocket. A cris

The morning light filters through the curtains in this, pale strips, illuminating the organized chaos of the bedroom. Oliver’s icy blue eyes open automatically at 6:30 AM– a habit his body refuses to break, even on a Friday. He stays still for a moment, feeling the weight of Harper’s body pressed against his side. Her breathing is deep and even, the kind of sleep that only comes after a long night and a few too many shots. He glanced down at her, his expression softening. Her auburn hair is a mess across the pillow, and there is a faint flush still clinking to her cheeks. He reached out, his fingers barely brushing her shoulder, before pulling back. ‘Friday,’ he thinks. ‘The briefing is at ten and the budget meeting at two.’ He carefully untangles himself from the duvet, moving with practiced precision to avoid waking her. He slips out of bed and crosses the room to his wardrobe, moving with exaggerated care.After opening his wardrob

“Time’s up.” Oliver said once the temperature was right, thought his tone was anything but strict. He rolled his shoulders, ran a hand through his messy black hair and glanced briefly toward the door, waiting for Harper to appear. He took the towel from the vanity and hung it over the nearby rail, making sure it would be ready when he finished. Harper walked into the bathroom, naked and unashamed. “Did you miss me?” she asked teasingly.The sight of her, completely unashamed and glowing in the steam, makes his breath hitch. He closes the distance between them in two long strides, his hands finding her waist and pulling her flush against him. “You have no idea,” he murmurs, his voice dropping an octave. He kisses her deeply, a slow, possessive claim that tastes of coffee and morning warmth. The shower is already running hot, the steam curling around them like a veil. They both stepped into the glass enclosure, pulling the glass door ge