"When?" Nicolaus asked, always the practical one even as his voice betrayed his excitement. "The timing matters, especiallynow with media attention." I hadn't considered the logistics, only the emotional certainty that had finally settled within me.
"I hadn't thought about that," I admitted, my cheeks flushing.
Miles's expression softened as he studied my face. "There's no rush, sweetheart. We want this to be perfect for you, not overshadowed by a media circus."
"But I don't want to wait," I said, surprising myself with the firmness in my voice. "I've spent my whole life waiting for other people to decide what was right for me. I know what I want now."
Christopher's thumb traced along my jaw, his touch gentle but possessive. “How about we sleep on it tonight. After everything today…we can talk about it once we get some rest and have clear minds in the morning?” He suggested glanced to Julian who gave a nod.
I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me as the adrenaline from the confrontation finally began to fade. Christopher was right—today had been emotionally overwhelming, and making such a permanent decision while my emotions were still raw probably wasn't wise.
"You're right," I said, leaning into his touch. "I just... I don't want you to think I'm backing out or having second thoughts."
"Never," Julian said firmly, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. "We know you, Lilianna. We know the difference between impulse and certainty."
“Why don’t you go lay in your nest. The rest of us will make sure everything with the media and anything else that needs to be done tonight is finished before the morning.” Nicolaus suggested, eyes soft as he looked me over.
I nodded, feeling the weight of the day settle over me like a heavy blanket. "Thank you," I whispered, grateful for their understanding.
“Would you like the one in here, or the one downstairs with all the scented items?” Julian asked speaking up as he gave me a small smile.
“Downstairs.” I told him with no hesitation. I wanted to be surrounded by their scents while I rested. Miles directed me to the living room and to the nest that had been made there, making sure to help me in and make sure I was comfortable.
"Rest," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead as I settled into the plush comfort. "We'll be close by."
I watched through heavy-lidded eyes as the four men moved around the room with practiced efficiency—Nicolaus on his phone coordinating our response to the media storm, Christopher reviewing something on his tablet, Miles and Julian speaking in low voices by the door. They were protecting me even now, shielding me from the chaos I'd inadvertently unleashed.
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Lilianna
I woke up feeling a kiss on my forehead, blinking slowly as I emerged from the deepest sleep I'd had in weeks. The living room was dim, early morning light filtering through the curtains, and Julian was crouched beside the nest, his hair mussed from sleep.
"Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. "How are you feeling?" I stretched languidly in the nest, taking inventory of my body and mind. The bone-deep exhaustion from yesterday's confrontation had lifted, leaving behind a strange sense of lightness—as if I'd shed a weight I'd been carrying for years.
"Better," I said honestly, sitting up and running my fingers through my tangled hair. "Clearer."
Julian's eyes searched my face, looking for any signs of regret or uncertainty. "Any second thoughts about yesterday? About... what we discussed?"
I shook my head without hesitation. "No. If anything, I'm more certain this morning."
Julian's face broke into that radiant smile that never failed to make my heart skip. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. "The others are in the kitchen making breakfast. They wanted to let you sleep, but I couldn't wait any longer to see you."
I smiled against his mouth, breathing in his familiar scent. "I'm glad you did."
He helped me up from the nest, his hand lingering at the small of my back as we walked toward the kitchen. The delicious smell of coffee and something sweet filled the air, making my stomach growl embarrassingly loud.
"Someone's hungry," Julian teased, pressing another kiss to my temple.
We entered the kitchen to find Christopher at the stove flipping pancakes, Miles setting the table, and Nicolaus at his laptop, though he immediately closed it when he saw me enter. All three men looked up, their expressions warming as they took me in.
"Good morning," Christopher said, his voice gentle. "How are you feeling?"
"Hungry," I admitted with a small smile. "And... good. Surprisingly good."
Miles pulled out a chair for me, his hand brushing mine as I sat down. "No headache? You slept deeply."
"None," I confirmed, accepting the mug of coffee Nicolaus slid across the table to me. "I feel... lighter somehow."
