A Dance with Danger

Chapter Fifty-One

**Estelle’s POV** 
  

After my confession last night, Tiberius had suggested that Harmony take over Mika’s birthday party planning. Miriam had agreed immediately after noticing my state, giving me an out without making me feel guilty about it. 

It was now noon, and I was in the bathroom, staring at my reflection as I ran my fingers through my curls. The night’s events still lingered in my mind, but I wasn’t about to let them dictate my entire day. 

My laptop was propped on the bathroom counter, and my mother and Nana were on a video call with me. Mama was visiting Nana in Bora Bora, and the ocean breeze in the background made me jealous. 

“You look tired, baby,” Mama said, concern lacing her voice. “Did you get any sleep?” 

I sighed, reaching for my moisturizer. “A little.” 

Nana narrowed her eyes. “That’s code for no sleep. What’s going on?” 

I debated telling them about the texts, but that would only result in my mother flying out immediately and my Nana threatening to send some of her old contacts to ‘take care of it.’ Neither of those things needed to happen. 

So I just forced a small smile. “Nothing. Just a long night.” 

Mama didn’t seem convinced, but she let it go—for now. “Well, make sure you take care of yourself, alright? And tell Tiberius I said hello.” 

“I will.” 

After saying our goodbyes, I closed my laptop and turned back to my reflection. I still looked tired, but at least I didn’t look like I had been up half the night overthinking everything. 

I pulled on a simple cream-colored dress, one that hugged my curves without being too much, and slipped on a pair of gold sandals. I kept my jewelry minimal—a small necklace, a pair of hoops, and my wedding ring. 

By the time I stepped out of the bathroom, Tiberius was already dressed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as I walked toward him, his dark eyes skimming over me. 

“You’re beautiful,” he said simply. 

A small smile tugged at my lips. “And you’re overdressed for a fast-food run.” 

He glanced down at his perfectly tailored black button-up and slacks. “I toned it down.” 

I laughed, shaking my head. “Come on, let’s go before you change your mind about eating somewhere normal.” 

As usual, Helio and a few of Tiberius’s men followed in a separate car. I barely paid them any attention anymore—it was just another part of life with a man like Tiberius. 

The fast-food place I had suggested was one I used to go to when I was younger. It wasn’t anything fancy, but the food was good. I half expected Tiberius to scoff at the idea of greasy burgers and fries, but he didn’t. He just ordered whatever I did and followed me back to the car. 

Instead of eating in silence, I suggested we go to the beach. Not one of the crowded, tourist-heavy ones, but a more secluded public beach where we could just sit in the car and enjoy the view. 

We parked near the shore, the windows slightly cracked open to let in the salty breeze. I unwrapped my burger, taking a bite as I stared out at the waves. 

Tiberius, ever composed, took a slower approach, picking up one of his fries like he was testing whether or not he’d regret eating it. 

I watched him, amusement tugging at my lips. “It’s not poison, you know.” 

He shot me a look before finally taking a bite. “It’s... edible.” 

I laughed. “Wow. High praise.” 

The sound of the waves filled the silence between us, the atmosphere surprisingly peaceful. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this—just a quiet moment, away from everything. 

Tiberius finished his food before leaning back against the leather seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the steering wheel. 

“Are you up for a date?” he asked suddenly. 

I blinked, caught off guard. “A date?” 

His eyes flickered toward me. “Yes. A real one. No business dinners, no events—just you and me.” 

I hesitated. Not because I didn’t want to, but because a part of me felt guilty for even thinking about enjoying myself while there was still a lingering threat. 

But then I thought about last night. About how I refused to let fear control me. 

So instead of giving in to that hesitation, I nodded. “In two days.” 

Tiberius arched a brow. “Two days?” 

“I need time to plan,” I said, smirking. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.” 

Something unreadable flickered in his gaze, but he nodded. “Two days, then.” 

And just like that, the tension that had been pressing down on me eased—just a little.