Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

C at winced as she shifted on the plush couch in Keir’s living room, her ribs protesting the movement. The doctor had cleared her to move around more, but her body still ached from the attack. She glanced at the sleek laptop perched on the coffee table, the screen displaying lines of code she’d been working on. Even while recovering, she couldn’t stay away from her work.

Keir’s penthouse was a far cry from her own cozy loft. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Central Park, the lush greenery a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. She’d been staying here since the attack, and despite the circumstances, she found herself growing accustomed to the luxury—and to Keir’s constant presence.

Her phone buzzed, Laura’s name flashing on the screen. Cat smiled, grateful for the distraction.

“Hey, Laura,” she answered, her voice warm. “How’s my favorite nephew doing?”

Laura’s laugh tinkled through the speaker. “Ayers is currently attempting to scale the bookshelf like it’s Mount Everest. I swear, Cat, your influence is turning him into a little adventurer.”

“That’s my boy,” Cat chuckled, picturing her adorable nephew’s determined face. “Maybe we can introduce him to some safer video game adventures when he’s a bit older.”

“Speaking of adventures,” Laura’s tone turned sly, “how are things going with your dashing dragon CEO? Still playing nurse, is he?”

Heat crept up Cat’s cheeks. “Keir’s been... amazing,” she admitted, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. “I’ve never had someone take care of me like this. It’s a little overwhelming, to be honest.”

“Overwhelming in a good way, I hope,” Laura pressed. “Come on, spill the details. Has he been pampering you properly?”

Cat sank deeper into the couch cushions, a small smile playing on her lips. “He’s been incredibly attentive. Bringing me meals in bed, helping me with my exercises, even reading to me when my eyes get tired from staring at the screen too long.”

“Ooh, bedtime stories from a sexy dragon? Sounds steamy,” Laura teased.

“Laura!” Cat sputtered, laughing despite herself. “It’s not like that. He’s just been... sweet.”

“Uh-huh.” Laura’s voice dripped with skepticism. “And you’re telling me you haven’t thought about thanking him properly for all that sweetness?”

Cat’s mind flashed to the nights she’d spent with Keir, the hot, dirty, and the tender moments they’d shared. Her cheeks flushed at the memory.

“I... maybe,” she confessed, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Okay, yes. And that’s something else I’ll be working on, but I want to do something special for him. To show him how much I appreciate everything he’s done.”

“You mean something more special than offering yourself up to be devoured?”

“Laura!”

“What? It’s true. I’m sure he’s been dying to eat you up. Wait, you guys have…right?”

“Yes. We have. And I think I’m the one who’s been counting down the days until the doctor gives me the all-clear.”

“Ooh! Sounds like someone’s on a mission.”

“Back to the topic at hand. What can I do?”

Laura hummed thoughtfully. “My first suggestion stands, lay on the table naked and wait for him to come home and tell him dinner’s ready.”

Cat giggled but considered the idea. It wasn’t bad. “What else do you have?”

“All right, I see you’re not trying to properly thank the man. Why don’t you cook him dinner? Or better yet, bake him something special?”

Cat perked up at the suggestion. “That’s... actually not a bad idea. Keir mentioned once that his favorite dessert is sticky toffee pudding.”

“Perfect!” Laura exclaimed. “I’ll send over a delivery with all the ingredients. You can surprise him with a little taste of home.”

“You’re a lifesaver, Laura,” Cat said gratefully. “Give Ayers a big kiss from his Aunt Cat, okay?”

“Will do,” Laura replied. “And Cat? Maybe Ayers would like a cousin to play with sometime soon, hint, hint.”

“Laura!” Cat spluttered, her face burning as her sister-in-law’s laughter rang out before the call disconnected.

Cat set her phone down, her mind whirling with possibilities. She glanced at the clock—Keir wouldn’t be home for hours yet. Plenty of time to prepare a surprise.

With renewed energy, Cat carefully made her way to the kitchen, determination overriding the lingering ache in her ribs. She pulled up a recipe on her tablet, surveying Keir’s impressively stocked kitchen.

As she gathered ingredients, Cat found herself humming softly. The familiar motions of measuring and mixing soothed her, even as her heart fluttered with anticipation. She wanted this evening to be special, a way to show Keir how much his care had meant to her.

The sticky toffee pudding was in the oven, filling the penthouse with a warm, sweet aroma, when the doorbell chimed. Cat answered to find a delivery of fresh flowers and candles—courtesy of Laura, no doubt. She arranged them on the dining table, transforming the space into something intimate and inviting.

With the dessert cooling, Cat retreated to the guest room to prepare herself. She slipped into a deep burgundy dress that hugged her curves, wincing slightly as she navigated the zipper around her tender ribs. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she applied a touch of mascara and lip gloss.

Cat surveyed her reflection, barely recognizing the woman staring back at her. Gone was the shy, awkward programmer who’d first walked into Sharpe Drakon Games. In her place stood someone confident, someone who knew what—and who—she wanted.

She returned to the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the meal she’d prepared. As she worked, Cat’s mind wandered to Keir, to the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, to the gentle strength of his hands. She found herself counting down the minutes until he’d walk through the door, eager to see his reaction to her surprise.

The sound of a key in the lock sent a jolt through her. Cat took a deep breath, smoothing down her dress one last time. She was ready to show Keir just how much he meant to her and to take their relationship to the next level.

Cat’s heart raced as she heard Keir’s footsteps approaching. She positioned herself near the dining area, smoothing her dress one last time and taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.

The door swung open, and Keir stepped in, his tall frame filling the doorway. He froze, his eyes widening as he took in the scene before him - the candlelit table, the aroma of home-cooked food, and Cat standing there in her burgundy dress.

“Cat,” he breathed, his voice low and filled with awe. “What’s all this?”

She smiled, a mix of shyness and determination in her eyes. “Surprise,” she said softly, moving toward him. “I wanted to do something special for you, to thank you for everything.”

Keir’s gaze softened, a smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t need thank yous, Cat. I will always love taking care of you,” he murmured, reaching out to gently cup her face.

Cat leaned into his touch, her eyes meeting his. He lowered his head and their lips met in a deep, hungry kiss. When he pulled back, his eyes were glowing with the power of his dragon.

“You’re my mate, Cat. I’ll always take care of you.”

“I wanted to,” she insisted. “You’ve been so wonderful, taking care of me. I just... I wanted to show you how much it means to me.”

Keir’s thumb traced her cheekbone, sending a shiver down her spine. “You look absolutely breathtaking,” he said, his eyes roaming appreciatively over her form.

Cat felt a flush of pleasure at his words. She took his hand, leading him to the table. “I hope you’re hungry,” she said, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

“Starving,” Keir replied, his eyes never leaving her face as he sat down.

Cat busied herself serving the meal she’d prepared - a hearty beef stew with crusty bread, one of Keir’s favorites that she’d learned about during their late-night conversations. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily between them, punctuated by lingering glances and soft laughter.

“This is delicious, Cat,” Keir said warmly, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “I can’t believe you went to all this trouble.”

Cat smiled, her heart swelling at his appreciation. “I may not know how to cook, but I know how to read and follow directions.” She grinned. “That’s not hard. Just wait until you see dessert.”

As they finished the main course, Cat stood to clear the plates. “Close your eyes,” she instructed, unable to keep the excitement from her voice.

Keir raised an eyebrow but complied, an amused smile playing on his lips. Cat carefully set the sticky toffee pudding in front of him, her pulse quickening with anticipation.

“Okay, open them.”

Keir’s eyes widened in delight as he took in the dessert before him. “Is that...”

Cat nodded, beaming. “Sticky toffee pudding. You mentioned it was your favorite, so I thought...”

She trailed off as Keir stood abruptly, crossing the short distance between them in two long strides. Before she could react, his hands were cupping her face, his lips meeting hers in a passionate kiss.

Cat melted into him, her arms winding around his neck as she pressed herself closer. Keir kissed her like a man starved, his tongue sweeping into her mouth and drawing a soft moan from her throat. When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Keir rested his forehead against hers.

“You are extraordinary, Catrina Reeves,” he murmured, his thumbs tracing gentle circles on her cheeks. “How did I get so lucky?”

Cat smiled up at him, her heart full to bursting. “I think I’m the lucky one,” she replied softly.

Keir’s eyes darkened, his gaze dropping to her lips. “The pudding can wait,” he growled, before sweeping her into his arms, mindful of her healing ribs.

Cat laughed, clinging to his broad shoulders as he carried her to the bedroom. As Keir laid her gently on the bed, his body hovering over hers, she felt a surge of love and desire.

“Keir,” she whispered, reaching up to trace the strong line of his jaw. “I want you to know... this isn’t just gratitude. What I feel for you, it’s so much more than that.”

Keir’s eyes softened, a vulnerability she rarely saw flashing across his face. “Cat,” he breathed, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead. “You have no idea how much you mean to me. These past few weeks, taking care of you... it’s made me realize I never want to be without you.”

Cat’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes searching his. “Really?” she asked, a note of wonder in her voice.

Keir nodded, his gaze intense. “Really,” he confirmed. “I love you. I know to a human it must feel strange to hear the words when we’ve known each other only a few months, but I mean it from the very depths of my soul.”

Tears pricked at Cat’s eyes, a smile blooming on her face. “I love you too,” she admitted.

Keir leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. Cat responded eagerly, her hands sliding under his shirt to explore the warm expanse of his back.