Chapter 106 Catherine's Back
"Elliot... we'll be late." Her voice was barely there.
He smiled against her skin. "I'm the boss. I decide the schedule." He sucked gently at a sensitive spot, and she bit her lip hard.
Elliot's hands slid up to her waist, under her shirt, warm against her stomach—stroking slowly, deliberately.
"El-Elliot..." Softer now. Surrendering.
He looked at her—flushed, looking down, beautiful.
God, he loved this woman.
He lifted her chin gently, meeting her eyes. "Baby..."
Then he kissed her. Deep. Warm. Full of everything he couldn't say.
She gripped his shirt, pulling him closer. Her heart raced—but she didn't want to stop.
The kiss deepened. He pressed her closer, savoring every touch. His hands moved to her back, tracing her curves.
She whimpered as his lips traveled down her jaw, then back to her neck.
"Elliot..." Breathless now. Needing.
He looked at her, eyes dark with want. "I need more."
She bit her lip, then cupped his face and kissed him quickly. "Let's go to the bedroom."
He didn't wait. He lifted her, and she wrapped around him instinctively.
"You're dangerous," he murmured, watching her with intensity.A soft click of Audrey’s tongue made Elliot turn.
He was buttoning his formal black pants. "What?"
She stood at the mirror, frowning. "Look at this. My neck is covered with… marks." She glared at his reflection. "How am I supposed to hide all of this?!"
He paused, then laughed softly, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Don't hide it. Let everyone know you're taken—"
"Elliot!" She huffed, still searching for solutions in the mirror.
Before, the marks were in one place—manageable with a scarf. Now? Everywhere!
Seeing her panic, he sighed and tightened his arms. "I think it's time."
She stilled.
"We announce our marriage."
She met his eyes in the mirror, uncertainty flickering.
"Are you sure?" she asked softly.
He met her gaze with absolute certainty. "I should be asking you that."
She bit her lip, a strange feeling settling in her chest.
"I already asked Marcus to register our marriage with the civil registry," he said gently, kissing her shoulder. "In a few days, the process should be complete. We'll have a hearing."
She listened quietly.
"After that, I'll announce everything. Legally, we'll be solid."
She understood. This would close any gap for anyone trying to question their relationship—especially media and public.
"But if you're not ready—"
"It's okay." She cut him off.
He blinked, surprised.
"Are you sure?" He needed to hear it again.
She looked at their reflection—at the way he looked at her. Her hand found his around her waist, holding on.
"I'm not running from this." Her voice was quiet but steady. "We're already married. Sooner or later, everyone has to know."
He smiled—small, proud, grateful. He kissed the top of her head, lingering.
"I can't protect you from everything," he whispered against her hair. "But I promise—I'll always be beside you."
She exhaled slowly, then turned to face him. "If there's trouble later... don't regret it."
He chuckled softly. "I'll never regret you, baby."
She was quiet, but her eyes softened. Slowly, she was accepting it—she was truly his now, no more hiding.
He pulled her into his arms, holding tight, making sure she knew—she wouldn't face any of this alone.
After a moment, she remembered something. She looked up, hesitant.
"Oh... I need to apologize."
He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
She bit her lip. "About Bruce. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
His eyes narrowed slightly at the name. Jaw tight, but he kept his expression calm. "So you think you need to apologize for that?"
She swallowed. "I didn't mean to hide it. Everything happened so fast."
He was quiet. Watching.
"I promise it won't happen again. I have no reason to see him anymore. I just... felt like I should apologize because you—"
"You don't trust me?" He cut in.
She blinked. "No, that's not it. I just didn't want anything to... cause another fight."
He exhaled long, then pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't like you being around him, baby. But I know you had your reasons."
"But," his voice dropped lower, "next time something like this happens, I want to hear it from you. Not someone else."
She smiled, relieved. "I promise."
He looked at her—really looked—then kissed her deeply, like he was making sure she knew she was his. No one else's.
She gasped, then melted into it.
\---
As agreed, they went to work separately. Until the announcement was official, nothing changed.
Audrey was deep in work when commotion broke out nearby.
She frowned, looking up.
Her eyes went wide.
Someone was arguing with Liam at Elliot's door.
Then—as if feeling her gaze—the person turned.
Their eyes locked.
Audrey's heart pounded as sharp eyes fixed on her. Without hesitation, the figure walked toward her, gaze cutting closer with every step.
She swallowed hard.
Catherine.