Folding For You

Chapter 10: Killian

Sabrina was at my side as I stepped into my penthouse, and a wave of relief washed over me. The weight of the day—the argument with Sabrina, the deadlines, the negotiations—evaporated the second I closed the door.

My space, usually a fortress of black leather and sleek lines, with high windows framing the city skyline and overlooking Madison Square Park, felt different tonight. It wasn't the view or the decor; it was Sabrina, her awe palpable as she wandered through, eyes wide like she couldn't quite believe this was where I lived.

"Can I?" she asked, already on her way to explore. "I don't need a tour."

My lips curled in quiet amusement, motioning for her to do as she pleased. "Make yourself at home," I said, and I meant it.

I walked to the bedroom with her overnight bag and placed it beside my dressing table. The thought of my orderly space cluttered with her things—her vanity products, her cute little origami—made me grin. I'd never let anyone else's presence blend into my own, but with her, the idea seemed...right.

Before I could get lost in the thought, Sabrina appeared. "What's with the smile?" she asked, teasing, her eyes glinting with curiosity—and maybe a little jealousy.

I wrapped my arms around her and lifted her off the floor, her legs naturally wrapping around me. "Thinking about you, of course," I said, letting the words land just right. She softened instantly, the sweetest "aww" leaving her lips as we stayed locked in that moment, her warmth pressing into me.

After a beat, I set her down gently and asked, "Hungry? We can order something."

She frowned, always ready to challenge me. "Don't you have anything in the fridge?"

I raised an eyebrow, half amused. "No clue. Valeria stocks it every week, but I only reach for water or a beer."

Not satisfied, Sabrina marched to the kitchen like she owned the place. I leaned on the galley island, watching her rifling through the fridge.

When she gave me an exaggerated, wide-eyed "OMG," I couldn't help but chuckle. She bounced from shelf to shelf, pulling out ingredients—salmon, mayo, butter—like a woman on a mission.

"Where are your seasonings, baby?" she asked, and I froze for a second, the way that word rolled off her tongue catching me off guard.

I played it cool, leaning in a little. "Dimples, what did you just call me?"

Blushing, she repeated it—"Baby"—but her voice dropped to that lower, sultry register this time. That was all the invitation I needed.

I was next to her in a heartbeat, pulling her into me and kissing her with all the pent-up energy of the day. Her soft smile against my lips only made me push deeper, my hands finding their way to the small of her back, her hips, everywhere.

"You're killing me, Dimples," I muttered between breaths.

But Sabrina, always in control, gently broke the kiss, laughing. "We need to eat first. Let me finish making dinner."

I groaned, half-annoyed, half-admiring her restraint. I pointed at the top drawer and suddenly remembered where Valeria placed them. They were all sealed for Sabrina's unwrapping. Well, the thought of Sabrina unwrapping me....

Sabrina just giggled and gave me a quick kiss before nudging me back. "Don't disturb me in my cooking zone."

Shaking my head, I laughed as my phone rang. It was Karlton. I picked up, and his voice was loud in my ear.

"You're an asshole, you know that?" he barked.

I smiled to myself, already knowing where this conversation was going. "Nice to hear from you too, big brother."

Karlton rambled about me upsetting Dr. Luke earlier today. Typical. "You need to play nice," he grumbled.

"Hey, I'm nice. Just not to arrogant pricks," I replied, my tone measured. "I make time for people who want to make a difference, not those who think their money entitles them to be condescending."

Karlton scoffed, no doubt shaking his head on the other end. "Not all your clients are saints, Killian. Don't act like you only do business with do-gooders."

I didn't argue that point. "True, but at least my clients admit their flaws. And they respect me as their business partner. I help them make money legally—and smartly."

"Yeah, yeah, you and your ethics. You sure about that?" Karlton sneered.

I rammed it up, "Don't lecture me about ethics unless you offer free hotel laundry."

Karlton went silent, and I bit back a laugh, knowing I'd hit a nerve. "Just saying, Karl. Don't tell me how to do my job."

There was a pause before Karlton finally spoke, "Call Dr. Luke. He hates your arrogant ass, but he trusts you."

I leaned against the counter, a slow smile creeping across my face. "Well, well."

"Shut up and make the call," Karlton growled before hanging up.

I laughed out loud, enjoying the tension between us like only brothers can.

"What was that about?" Sabrina asked, walking toward me with two plates of sandwiches. She set one in front of me, looking concerned. "Wait, you don't have any food allergies, right?"

Instead of answering, I took a bite, letting the flavours settle before grinning widely at her. "This is fucking-tastic, Dimples."

She laughed, grabbing a napkin and dabbing the corner of my mouth. "Baby, don't talk with your mouth full."

I took another bite, playful. "Can I kiss you with my mouth full?"

She laughed again, giving me a soft kiss, and I grinned. "That's nice. Made it tastier."

After we finished dinner and cleaned up, Sabrina turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "Want to do some origami before bed?"

I shot her a look, that playful edge in my voice. "The only thing I'll be folding tonight, Dimples, is you."