Chapter 99: Tender Moments In The Pentahouse

Chapter 99: Tender Moments in the Penthouse

The elevator doors opened and Callian carried Eira in his arms, her body waa relaxing against him, her head rested on his shoulder.

She stirred slightly, blinking up at him with hazy eyes. "You’re really strong, you know that?" she mumbled, her words were still slurred but soft.

Callian chuckled under his breath, stepping into the living room. "And you’re really drunk. A dangerous combination."

"I wasn’t that bad. I wanted to keep Sana company."

He gently placed her down on the oversized couch, leaning down to remove her heels. "I’ll have a word with Sana tomorrow."

"She’s my friend," Eira murmured, sitting up a little too quickly before slumping back against the cushions. "Don’t be mad at her."

Callian shook his head, crouching beside her. "I’m not mad at Sana," he said in a gentle tone. "I’m mad at you."

Eira’s eyes widened, her drunken state made her overly dramatic. "You’re mad at me?"

His lips curved into a small smile. "Yes, because you didn’t listen. I told you no drinking. And yet, here we are."

She pouted, crossing her arms like a stubborn child. "I didn’t drink much. Just... a little. And I slapped that creep in the club. That should count for something, right?"

Callian’s eyebrows rose slightly, and he leaned in closer, "Slapping a creep doesn’t cancel out bad behavior, Mrs. Reed."

Eira giggled, her cheeks flushed with redness. "You’re so bossy, Mr. Reed."

"And you’re impossible," he replied, standing up.

He went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. "Drink this. You’ll thank me in the morning."

Eira took the glass reluctantly, sipping it as he sat down beside her.

She rested her head on his shoulder.

"You’re not really mad, are you?" she asked after a long pause.

Callian tilted his head to look at her. "I worry about you, Eira. That’s all. You’re not used to this kind of life."

She smiled softly, her fingers went through against his hand. "That’s why I have you. To catch me when I fall."

Callian cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushed against her skin. "Always," he whispered.

Eira’s breath hitched slightly at the intensity in his eyes.

She reached up, her fingers traced the edge of his jawline. "You’re too good to me," she murmured.

"Not good enough," he replied, leaning closer.

Their faces were just inches apart now, the world outside the penthouse faded away.

The scent of her light perfume mixed with the faint trace of his cologne, creating a space that was just theirs.

Eira leaned forward, her lips touched his in a kiss that was both soft and searching.

Callian responded immediately, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, pulling her closer.

The kiss deepened, and for a moment, it was as if nothing else mattered—no revenge, no past, no threats.

Just them.

When they finally pulled apart, Eira looked up at him, her eyes bright despite the haze of alcohol. "I don’t deserve you," she said quietly.

Callian shook his head, his forehead rested against hers. "It’s the other way around, Eira. I’d burn the world for you."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.

"Stay with me tonight," she whispered.

Callian kissed her temple, "Always."

He picked her up again, carrying her toward the bedroom as she nestled against his chest, her eyes started drifting to shut.

As he laid her down on the bed and pulled the covers over her, she opened her eyes briefly, smiling at him. "Goodnight, Callian."

"Goodnight, Eira," he muttered..

As he settled into the chair by her bedside, watching her fall asleep, he couldn’t help but smile.

For all the things surrounding them, this moment was theirs.

And he wasn’t going to let anyone take it away.

Callian watched Eira for a long moment as her breathing evened out, her features relaxed in the moonlight filtering through the large windows.

She looked peaceful, her earlier laughter and mischief was being replaced by quiet vulnerability.

Satisfied that she was resting, he stood and moved toward the living room.

His jaw was tight, and his mind was anything but calm.

"The stranger at the club..."

Callian couldn’t get the man’s words out of his head: "William failed to watch after my little sister."

Who was he, and why did he seem to know Eira? Or worse, why did he seem to think he had a claim to her safety?

Callian retrieved his phone from the marble counter and dialed a number he hadn’t used in weeks.

It rang twice before a groggy voice answered.

"Mr. Reed?"

"Alex, I need information."

There was a rustling sound on the other end as Alex, his private investigator, likely sat up in bed.

"Of course. What’s the target?"

"A man, late twenties. Dark hair, blue eyes, tall. He was at the club tonight, speaking to Eira. He mentioned someone named William. I need to know who he is, why he’s here, and what connection he has to my wife. Even though I think the William he was talking to is the guy I’ve mentioned to you before."

"Understood," Alex replied, already scribbling notes. "Do you have any other details? Anything that stood out about him?"

Callian pinched the bridge of his nose, pacing the room.

"He stepped in during a confrontation. He had an air about him—confident, self-assured. He called Eira his ’little sister.’"

There was a pause on the other end. "Little sister?" Alex echoed.

"Yes," Callian snapped. "I want every detail. I don’t care how far you have to dig."

"I’ll start immediately," Alex said. "Expect an update by morning."

Callian ended the call, setting his phone down on the counter with a little more force than necessary.

He leaned against the cool marble.

Whoever that man was, he had spoken as though he knew something Callian didn’t.

The way he looked at Eira wasn’t one of a stranger.

It was personal, and Callian didn’t like the unease that was haunting his nerves.

He poured himself a glass of water and took a sip.

Eira was sleeping soundly now, unaware of the things in his mind.

His jaw set.

Whoever that man was, whatever game he thought he was playing, Callian would find out.

And when he did, there would be no mercy.

Walking back to the bedroom, he placed the glass on the bedside table and sat in the chair beside her once more.

"No one touches you, Eira. Not without going through me first."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read