Chapter 10

Chapter 10
His brow lifted. “Why not?”

“It’s Anna,” she said softly, then told him everything in detail. The hotel. The setup. Her night with Henry.

“She’s not safe there,” Tanya added. “Maybe because she’s not their blood. They’ve never truly cared for her. And now that they think she’s disgraced the family? They’ll punish her severely. She doesn’t deserve that. After what she went through last night…” Her voice dropped. “And Henry.... how could he just walk away like it meant nothing?”

Colby frowned, more serious now. “You think he should’ve stayed?”

“I think… I think he could be good for her,” Tanya said, brushing a hand over her belly. “She’s single now. So is he. He’s strong, rich, good-looking.... even if he acts like a jerk. Maybe she needs someone like him.”

Colby narrowed his eyes. “Did you just call Henry good-looking?”

Tanya blinked, then laughed. “Come on, don’t be ridiculous. He’s good-looking… for Anna. For me, you’re the only ten in the world.”

“Good answer,” he murmured, leaning in and brushing her hair back.

His hand slid over her stomach, resting there warmly. “How’s my baby doing?”

“Perfect,” she whispered.

He kissed her temple. “Good. Now tell baby that daddy’s hungry.”

She rolled her eyes. “Alright, I’ll tell the maids to...”

But he caught her wrist and tugged her back down onto the couch.

“Not that kind of hungry,” he murmured, voice low.

Tanya flushed. “Colby…”

“Come here.”

She was still about to rise when Colby’s hand slipped around her waist and pulled her gently onto his lap.

“Darling…” she said softly, half protesting, half smiling.

“Shh,” he whispered, brushing her hair aside and pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. “Just stay here. You’ve been running around all day. Let me take care of you.”

His lips trailed slowly from her shoulder to the curve of her neck, warm and unhurried. Tanya closed her eyes, her fingers curling into his shirt.

“You’re worried,” he murmured against her skin, his voice low and comforting. “Let me help you forget.”

She didn’t answer...not with words....but when he cupped her jaw and kissed her, she melted into him without resistance.

He lifted her gently into his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her down like she was made of glass. Her dress slid off her shoulders as his hands explored her curves with familiar reverence.

“Still think Henry’s good-looking?” he teased against her lips.

She laughed breathlessly. “Only you.”

“Good,” he whispered, then kissed her deeper.

The heat between them built slowly... tender and sensual. There was no rush, no wild urgency, just the soft, deliberate rhythm of two people who knew every inch of each other, yet still found magic in the moment.

Tanya gasped softly as his hand slid between her thighs, stroking her until she arched into him, her breath ragged.

“You drive me crazy,” he growled, his voice filled with need as he slid into her in one slow, deep thrust.

Their bodies moved together in sync, a slow burn of passion that only intensified with every whispered name, every moan, every hungry kiss.

And when they both came....tangled in sheets and in each other’s arms, Tanya clung to him like he was her home.

“Better now?” he asked against her cheek.

“Much,” she whispered. “Just don’t ever let go.”

“Never,” he promised, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

After Tanya slept off, Colby reached for his phone, dialing Henry’s number.

Henry answered on the second ring. “You again? What’s going on now?”

Colby didn’t waste time. “Are you even a man?”

Henry groaned. “Oh God, don’t tell me this is about last night. I already said I’d compensate her.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m calling. About the compensation.”

There was a pause. “Okay… how much is it going to be?”

Colby smirked. “Not money. Listen...her situation is worse than you think. Tanya told me everything. She’s not just heartbroken, she’s in danger. Her family… they’ll eat her alive.”

Henry sat up straighter. “Seriously?”

“Yes,” Colby said. “You know how powerful you are in this country. If you show up for her, the Briggs will have to listen. They’ll back off.”

Henry muttered something under his breath. “The Briggs… yeah, familiar name.”

“So you do know her?”

He hesitated. “Not the way you’re thinking. But… dammit. I had plans today. This is a mess.”

“Then do something about it. Use your name. Stand for her.”

There was silence.

Then Henry exhaled heavily. “I know this is your wife’s idea.”

“It is. And mine too. You like her, Henry. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have let her touch you that night.”

Henry snorted. “She’s not so bad-looking, I’ll give her that.”

“Just do the right thing,” Colby said. “That’s all I’m asking.”

“Fine,” Henry sighed. “Send me the address. I’ll go take responsibility for my damsel in distress.”

“Thank you,” Colby said. “This means a lot.... to both of us.”

Henry hung up, leaned back, and stared at the ceiling.

"I guess I have to do this much to make up for what happened last night."