All Chapters of Holding you close: Chapter 61 - Chapter 64

CHAPTER SIXTY ONEKAI'S POV "You really are as crazy as they say," she whispered softly, her eyes studying me with a slow, calculating intensity. "Alright, Kai. You want to break his quiet little life apart? I'll tell you about Ian. But it's going to cost you.”"A price?" I repeated, letting out a short, harsh laugh that held no real humor. "You’re sitting in my car, looking at a guy who practically owns half this campus, and you think you’re in a position to negotiate?"Cora didn't even flinch. She simply tilted her head, her dark eyes glittering under the faint neon glow of the dashboard lights."I know exactly what position I'm in, Kai," she said, her voice dropping into a smooth, deliberate cadence. "You don't care about me, and you certainly don't care about whatever mess I'm running from. But you are obsessed with taking Ian down. And what I hold in my head is the one thing that will strip away his sweet, innocent act forever."My grip tightened on the leather-wrapped steering

CHAPTER SIXTY THREECALLUM'S POV Watching him slide into the Aston Martin, the sight of his relief made my own chest finally unclench. But as I pulled into traffic, the ticking clock in my head started—today was supposed to be mine, and yet, the relentless interruptions were already threatening to tear us apart again.The drive to the restaurant was a blur of flashing streetlights and heavy silence, the low purr of the Aston Martin's engine the only sound filling the cabin. But the moment we pulled into the familiar, discreet lot behind the restaurant, the heavy knot in my stomach loosened just a fraction.We stepped out into the cool air, and before we even reached the back service entrance, the heavy wooden door swung open.Nonnie stood there in her signature apron, her eyes instantly softening the second they landed on us. Before Ian could even say a word, Nonnie pulled us both into her arms in a fierce, enveloping hug that immediately chased away the chill of the night."Look