Doctor Emma Charlotte Phillips' path crosses with the path of the ruthless leader of a secret organization, Damian Nicholas King after he botches her attempt to take her own life.
*Completed*
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It was about four in the afternoon when Emma wandered into the kitchen. With Christmas only a day away, she felt a bit excited. She had baked a batch of gingerbread cookies earlier and left them on the baking sheet to cool. It was her plan to construct a gingerbread house. She didn't have anyone to exchange gifts with during the Christmas season or any family to celebrate with. Instead every Christmas eve, she would sit alone in her kitchen and build a gingerbread house.
As soon as she was satisfied that the cookies were perfectly cooled, she moved the piping bags, piping tips, icing, decorations and baking trays to the marble isle counter. As she was about to manoeuvre herself onto the stool, she felt a pair of familiar and strong hands on her waist. Soon she was gracefully lifted and placed on the stool.
"Damian," she greeted him. "You're not due back until next month. Did something happen?"
A look of worry covered her face.
"Nothing to worry about." He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before sliding onto the stool next. "What are you doing?" He looked at the various items scattered on the counter.
"Making a gingerbread house?" He guessed.
"Yes." She reached for the baking tray with the cookies. She then quietly explained to him her yearly tradition of building a gingerbread house on Christmas eve.
"Would you like to help?" She passed him an empty tray without waiting for his response.
"Here." Resting a medium-sized square on the tray, she moved the decorations and icing materials so that it was between then. "Most people like putting the house together first then decorating it. I tried that method once and it did not work out well. I like decorating the pieces first. After I cool the decorated pieces then I put the pieces together."
Damian lightly hummed in response. He took a minute to examine the decorations and tools before getting to work. Emma observed him enviously as he expertly decorated the cookie. With a frown, she glanced down at hers. It looked like a giant mess as compared to Damian's own. His was much neater and very detailed. There were no icing smudges or twisted pieces.
"Have you done this before?" She asked grudgingly. "You're an expert at this."
"This is my first time making a gingerbread house." He was focused as he used the piping bag to create a perfect, four-panelled window. "Jealous?" He teased.
"I am. I'm very competitive. How are you so good at this?" She reached for a few pieces of white chocolate to snack on.
"I have a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge."
"Impressive," Emma conceded. She had already realized that he was a well-educated man. "This must be trivia for you then. You obviously don't work as an engineer now do you?"
"Professionally, I don't." Emma moved the chocolate chip bowl closer to her and continued to snack. She gave up on even trying to salvage her creation and instead chose to just observe Damian as he worked. It was quite satisfying but jealousy was building within her.
