Reverie Dyad

Chapter 36

Reid POV:

Cole had put me in an incredibly awkward position 2 weeks ago. I found myself compelled to send Andre two bottles of the finest whiskey, each with an opulent label that whispered of exclusivity. Alongside the spirits, I included a meticulously crafted cigar, its aroma promising indulgence, and its value reaching $570,000. The cigar was a masterpiece, wrapped in the rarest tobacco leaves and encased in a bespoke humidor, exuding an air of sophistication.

Every detail of the gift was a testament to my attempt at mending the unspoken tension, even though the word "apology" was never uttered. Andre, a man who could read between lines, would undoubtedly understand the depth of my gesture, despite the absence of spoken words.

Life in the penthouse was a whirlwind, a stark contrast to my quiet cabin existence. The transition from the woods to a penthouse with military-grade security felt surreal. Cole and I had taken charge, infusing the penthouse with cutting-edge technology that turned it into a fortress straight out of a sci-fi movie. But one thing I did ask for is to have the room Val used as a guest bedroom all to myself

Juggling the needs of Val and Cole with my own was a challenge that seemed to intensify with each passing day. My previous solitary life was replaced by the responsibility of ensuring their well-being. Even my cherished pastime, hunting, became a distant dream in the confines of the bustling city. While they ventured into the world, I found myself confined to the penthouse, wrestling with my sense of belonging in this new dynamic

The sound of Val's heels echoed through the penthouse as she returned home, visibly drained. I stood from the couch and walked over to her. Instinctively, I put my arms on her waist, drawing her close. Fatigue etched her features, but her tired chuckle in response to my embrace hinted at a lingering sense of contentment.

"Long day?" I inquired, my voice laced with concern. Val sighed, her hands tracing the outline of my sides.

"Tell me about it," she replied, her voice weary. Leaning down, I brushed a soft kiss against her lips.

"Been on your feet all day?" I asked, pulling back slightly. A faint smile graced her lips, weariness evident in her eyes.

"Yeah, a warm shower is calling my name," she admitted, her vulnerability surfacing. Without a second thought, I effortlessly scooped her off her feet. Laughter bubbled between us as she clung to me, her legs kicking playfully in the air. It felt like an unspoken understanding had formed between us; carrying her like this became an unspoken pact, a gesture of comfort in a world that seemed to demand so much.

Navigating the penthouse, I carried her into the bathroom, her presence a grounding force in my arms. Gently placing her on the counter, I focused on filling the tub with warm water. The room filled with the scent of bubble bath as I poured a generous amount, creating an ambiance of tranquility and warmth.

Val, in her vulnerability, shared a glimpse of her day, her eyes revealing more than her words ever could. "Cole's going to be working late today," she said, her voice casual, yet there was an underlying tension in the air. "Turns out him being gone for that long messed things up."

Turning off the water, I met her gaze with a playful smirk, recognizing her attempt at casual conversation to mask something more significant.

"Spill," I encouraged, tilting my head. She met my eyes, a mixture of shyness and hesitation reflected in her gaze.

"Can you help me?" she asked, her voice trailing off, a request that hung in the air. She gently gripped the back of her zipper, and I closed the distance between us. Val, sensing my presence, stepped gracefully onto the floor and turned her back toward me, a silent invitation in her movements. Tugging on the zipper, I pulled it down, the soft hum of metal on metal filling the air. With a deliberate motion, I guided the material off her shoulders, the fabric slipping off her body like a sigh. It fell onto the ground with a hushed whisper, the mere sound signifying the thickness of the tension that enveloped us. The air crackled with anticipation, our unspoken desires hanging in the balance, waiting to be acknowledged.