The narrator firmly assures Gavin that her relationship with Ethan is completely over and that her sole focus is tutoring Matt. She promises to maintain professionalism and ethical loyalty, trying to convince both Gavin and herself. Gavin\u2019s intense gaze unsettles her, but she insists that no boundaries will be crossed between them. Gavin questions her about their relationship, and she sincerely assures him that no lines will be crossed with him either. After a moment of silent evaluation, Gavin nods but challenges her to keep that promise.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
They discuss her availability and settle on a schedule, after which Gavin presents a contract outlining employment details, salary, and a confidentiality clause for safety reasons. The narrator signs the contract, and they begin their meal quietly, enjoying the food and wine. When the narrator leaves to use the restroom, she encounters a striking woman with green eyes who brushes past her without apology, raising her suspicion briefly. Upon returning, she witnesses Gavin in a tense conversation with the same woman, Daisy, who accuses him of seeing another woman.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gavin responds firmly to Daisy, who is revealed to be a noble Lycan and his late wife\u2019s sister. He pulls the narrator close, whispering provocatively, which visibly unsettles Daisy. The argument ends with Daisy storming off, and Gavin explains that his mother has been trying to set him up with Daisy again, which he has been avoiding by not rejecting her too harshly. The narrator is stunned by this revelation but remains silent. After finishing their meal, Gavin pays the bill and arranges for a driver to take the narrator home.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Upon arriving, the narrator thanks Gavin and enters her house, only to hear her mother\u2019s voice from the living room. She freezes in shock when she sees who is casually chatting with her mother, leaving the chapter on a tense and suspenseful note.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 0019<\/p>\n
\u201cI assure you, my relationship with Ethan is completely over,\u201d I said firmly, hoping to convince both him and myself. \u201cMy only focus now is being Matt\u2019s tutor.\u201d<\/p>\n
I prided myself on maintaining professionalism, and I promised, \u201cI will remain ethically loyal.\u201d I knew I was rambling, but I couldn\u2019t help it\u2014Gavin\u2019s presence unnerved me more than I cared to admit.<\/p>\n
He held my gaze for a long moment, his eyes piercing and intense, making my heart race and my nerves fray even further.<\/p>\n
\u201cRest assured, no boundaries will be crossed,\u201d I added quickly, trying to sound confident.<\/p>\n
He tilted his head slightly and asked, \u201cAnd what about me?\u201d His tone wasn\u2019t condescending; instead, it held a boyish curiosity, almost gentle.<\/p>\n
My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. \u201cNo lines will ever be crossed with you either,\u201d I answered sincerely, hoping he believed me.<\/p>\n
Gavin studied me silently for a moment, weighing my words, then gave a short nod. \u201cI hope you can keep that promise,\u201d he said, his voice low and challenging.<\/p>\n
I was about to respond when the waitress returned with our wine, interrupting the tension in the air.<\/p>\n
Switching gears, Gavin asked about my availability, and we settled on a schedule that suited us both. Then, he pulled out a contract and set it on the table between us.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis contract is just a formality,\u201d he explained, \u201ccovering employment details and salary.\u201d He glanced at me seriously. \u201cIt also states you can\u2019t tell anyone who you\u2019re working for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor safety,\u201d he added quietly, \u201cboth yours and mine. I require all my staff to agree to these terms.\u201d<\/p>\n
I nodded in understanding; it made sense, so I didn\u2019t argue. He handed me a pen, and after scanning the document, I filled in my basic information and signed each line he directed me to.<\/p>\n
Shortly after, the waitress brought our meals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis looks amazing,\u201d I said, smiling as I took my first bite of the fresh, crisp salad.<\/p>\n
Gavin had ordered a rare steak accompanied by mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. We ate quietly, savoring the food and occasionally sipping our wine.<\/p>\n
By the time I was nearly finished, I felt the wine\u2019s warmth spreading through me. \u201cI need to use the restroom,\u201d I told him, sliding out of the booth.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be back,\u201d I added quickly.<\/p>\n
He nodded, and I hurried off toward the bathroom. On my way, I passed a stunning woman with auburn hair and the most mesmerizing green eyes I had ever seen. As I walked by, she brushed her shoulder against mine, making me pause for a moment.<\/p>\n
Did she do that on purpose? My mind briefly raced with the thought, especially since she didn\u2019t even apologize. I quickly pushed the suspicion aside and hurried into the bathroom.<\/p>\n
When I returned, Gavin was standing, arms crossed, speaking with the same woman who had brushed past me. She looked upset, her expression sharp and angry.<\/p>\n
As I approached, I caught her words clearly. \u201cSo this is why you haven\u2019t called me back? Because you\u2019ve been with another woman?\u201d she spat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Daisy,\u201d Gavin said, his voice low and threatening.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust answer me, Gavin,\u201d she demanded, hurt evident in her tone. \u201cAre you seeing her?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gavin\u2019s eyes flicked toward me, as if he sensed my presence nearby. Without a word, he turned and walked straight over to me.<\/p>\n
My eyes widened as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. His scent enveloped me, warm and intoxicating, and a jolt of electricity surged through my skin from his touch. His face buried itself against the nape of my neck.<\/p>\n
Daisy\u2019s eyes followed him, burning with fury.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if I am?\u201d Gavin whispered against my cheek, his breath hot and close, making my heart pound wildly.<\/p>\n
Daisy sneered, folding her arms tightly across her chest. \u201cYou\u2019ll get tired of her soon enough,\u201d she said venomously. \u201cYou always do. Then you come crawling back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long do you plan on being the third wheel on our date?\u201d Gavin shot back, his tone sharp.<\/p>\n
My breath caught at his words. Daisy scowled. \u201cThis isn\u2019t over,\u201d she muttered darkly, casting me a nasty glance before storming off.<\/p>\n
As soon as she disappeared from view, Gavin released me. My legs felt weak, and I nearly collapsed. I struggled to find my voice, barely able to whisper, \u201cW-what was that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gavin glanced at me and shrugged casually. \u201cThat was Daisy,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cShe\u2019s a noble Lycan, and my late wife\u2019s sister.\u201d<\/p>\n
His revelation stunned me into silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d was all I could manage.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mother has been trying to set us up again,\u201d he continued, his voice tinged with regret. \u201cShe wants to give me a second chance. I didn\u2019t want to reject her too bluntly. Sorry for using you like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
My cheeks were still burning, and I\u2019m sure he noticed, but he didn\u2019t comment on it.<\/p>\n
I nodded, unable to say more.<\/p>\n
We finished our meals, and Gavin paid the bill. Then, he arranged for the driver to take us back to my house.<\/p>\n
As the car pulled up in front of my home, I thanked him for the meal and the job opportunity before stepping out.<\/p>\n
The vehicle stayed until I was safely inside, then I heard it drive away.<\/p>\n
I exhaled a breath I hadn\u2019t realized I\u2019d been holding.<\/p>\n
But the brief relief was shattered the moment I heard my mother\u2019s voice coming from the living room.<\/p>\n
Frozen at the entryway, my heart stopped when I saw who was sitting on the couch, casually chatting with her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter delicately captures the tension and burgeoning complexities between the characters, weaving a delicate balance of professionalism, vulnerability, and unspoken emotions. The narrator\u2019s earnest efforts to maintain boundaries amidst Gavin\u2019s enigmatic presence highlight the emotional stakes at play, while the unexpected confrontation with Daisy reveals deeper layers of past relationships and unresolved feelings. The intimacy of their shared moments, juxtaposed with the intrusion of old ties, underscores the fragile nature of trust and the challenges of forging new connections.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the evening concludes with a quiet return home, the lingering presence of the narrator\u2019s mother and an unknown guest hints at further emotional entanglements yet to unfold. The chapter closes on a note of suspense and introspection, reflecting the characters\u2019 ongoing struggle to reconcile past wounds with the hope of building something new. It leaves the reader immersed in the delicate dance of loyalty, desire, and the search for genuine connection amidst the shadows of history.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Next chapter promises to deepen the intricate web of relationships surrounding the protagonist, as the unexpected visitor in her home hints at new tensions and unresolved histories. The emotional undercurrents from the dinner scene with Gavin\u2014his complicated past, the presence of Daisy, and the fragile trust forming between them\u2014will likely ripple into her personal life, challenging her resolve and stirring feelings she thought were settled.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As secrets begin to surface and loyalties are tested, the protagonist may find herself caught between past and present, duty and desire. The arrival of the mysterious guest could bring revelations that force her to confront not only her own boundaries but also the hidden dynamics within her family. Readers can anticipate a blend of suspense and heartfelt moments, where every interaction carries weight and the promise of change looms just beyond the next door.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
We Built a Kingdom From Ashes That Still Remembered Love by Aila Frost 19 We Built a Kingdom From Ashes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shadow-slave-by-author-novelnozi-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21088","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21088"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21088\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}