Chapter 30 — In The Crossfire

Sparks In The Moonlight
“Tell me, is this what we sorted out? I complained to you about everything just to get loneliness in return?”

She folded her hands over her chest, straightening her posture, nostrils flaring as she spoke.

“No, we sorted out that these little fights won’t ever distance us. My kitten will never slip away from me, no matter what happens.”

A shy flush crept across her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, and he smirked, amused by how adorably flustered she looked.

“But why do you disappear all of a sudden? Work, work, work, nothing else. We don’t talk, we don’t share, we don’t sit together like we should. Why are you always like this?”

She complained softly, neutral in tone, and he raised an eyebrow.

“My presence does suffocate you. You push me away, never share with me, and then get mad when I notice? Don’t blame me now for anything, Jenna.”

“No, your presence doesn’t suffocate me, but your absence does. Don’t leave me alone all the time. Talk to me so I can understand you, so I can share my heart with you.

Look at me, I’m locked in these corners of the house, never allowed to roam freely. And you? You get to explore the world after dinner like I’m just leftovers someone else has to tend to.”

She gestured around the room while speaking, and her words landed like a gentle punch.

He realized she hadn’t opened up to him because they’d been distant, barely speaking. Her vulnerability was quiet but profound; she wanted to be heard but feared reaching out.

“Okay,” he said softly, “you can tell me anything you want. I’ll always listen. What do you want to share now?”

She tilted her head, eyes lighting up with a hopeful spark.

“The night is beautiful. I used to swing or walk in the lawn with tea, sometimes coffee, under the moonlight. I want to do that again, but with you. Will you come?”

“Tea or coffee?” he asked while nodding his head, a low smirk tugging at his lips.

“Tea. That feels right.”

She spoke with a gushed tone.

“How long will it take?”

He kept his voice neutral.

“Ten minutes.”

“Then go. I’ll be there in ten.”

He glanced between her and the clock while saying.

“Okay! I’ll be waiting,” she said, excitement lifting her steps.

He raised his thumb, smirking, then cracked his neck, muscles stiff from the long day.



Jenna poured the tea into two mugs, inhaling its comforting aroma, when she sensed him approaching before hearing his footsteps.

She turned, holding the mugs carefully, and offered one. His face was drawn and tired, shoulders slumped, but he accepted it with a slight nod, smirk still faintly present.

They stepped into the backyard, the chill nipping at Jenna’s nose. She ignored it, walking beside him, both warming their hands on the mugs.

Moonlight cast silver shadows across the grass, highlighting the swing that waited patiently.

Evan glanced around, sharp and alert, ensuring no one was watching.

She handed him her mug, then hurried to the swing. Fingers curled around the edge, she beckoned him with a tilt of her head.

“Now give me the mugs and sit here,” she instructed him, extending her hand after settling herself in the swing as he stood by her.

“No, we’ll spill it if we swing,” he countered, tone firm but restrained.

“We won’t swing, just sit and sip. Then we can move after,” she said, after positioning herself into the swing.

“You’ll get sick if you swing after drinking,” he warned, voice low and measured.

“Oh, come on. We’ll worry about that later.”

She spoke carelessly, but he resisted, and she slipped down the swing. “You’re more cautious than me, huh!" She pouted her mouth while settling her shirt, but he only passed her a casual look. Then she brushed past him as they walked, mug in hand.

“You know how free I feel? No one is here to stop me. I’ve finally pulled the leash off,” she giggled, referring to his men who always followed his orders to monitor her.

“Does anyone hear me now? None of you can stop me. Your duties end here because your boss is with me,” she proclaimed, laughing at her own audacity.

He leaned slightly, chuckling at her childlike antics, amused and charmed.

“Are you objecting to my care, or just complaining you don’t like being stopped?” He lowered his neck just enough to meet her eyes, aware that she only came up to his upper arm.

“Obviously, I don’t like being stopped. But it’s worse when I’m alone. With you, it feels lighter, even if you object a little,” she admitted, shrugging, sincerity lacing her tone.

“Everyone around me answers to me. That’s why they watch over you,” he stated, voice commanding, possessive, yet calm.

“Oh yes, and what about those two rocks who block me from your study hallway?” she teased, recalling the absent guards.

“They’re on vacation. Since I haven’t had meetings in the study, there was no need for them. That’s why you snuck in, right?”

“Yes. And Liam still didn’t let me go inside! How cruel!”

They shared a quiet moment, the chill fading in the warmth between them.

Back inside, she gave him a gentle hug, resting her head lightly on his shoulder for comfort.

Evan stiffened for a heartbeat, feeling the warmth of her presence.

Damn! she trusts me completely, letting herself be vulnerable right here, right now!

He gave her forearm a reassuring squeeze, letting her feel at ease. She let out a soft sigh.

A stray lock of blonde hair fell from her loose bun, and he carefully tucked it behind her ear.

She held his hand briefly, finding comfort in the small gesture.

She’s fragile, too precious. I can’t let anything in my world touch her.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips, and Evan stayed close, letting the peaceful night speak for them.

Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, and the night stretched its dark fingers across the sky.

Inside, the world shrank to the warmth between them, the calm before the dawn, the eye of their quiet storm.