His Shortcake

Chapter 41

Tamara Ramirez

"Mara! We have to go if we want to make it on time!" Alec's voice echoed urgently from the living room, cutting through the soft stillness of the house.

I glanced at the clock, a familiar pang of anxiety rising as I quickly grabbed my phone from the bedside table. In a brief, practiced motion, I slipped a couple of bills between its case and back, making sure everything was in place before leaving the room.

As I made my way down the stairs, I moved slowly, placing each foot with care to avoid tripping. Alec would be beside himself if I hurt myself. The wood beneath my feet creaked softly, but the sound was drowned out by my own thoughts racing to keep up with the day ahead.

By the time I reached the bottom step, Alec looked up from his phone, his expression shifting as soon as he saw me. A warm smile spread across his face, softening his features. He stood up and closed the distance between us, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "You look amazing, as always," he said, his voice tender.

I returned the smile, feeling my cheeks flush slightly. "Thank you," I replied, then glanced at his phone buzzing in his hand again. "Were you busy just now?" I asked, noticing the serious look he had worn moments earlier while sitting on the couch.

Alec's expression shifted slightly, but the smile remained. "Just some work stuff," he muttered, his thumb swiping across the screen.

He shook his head with a soft smile. "Nothing important," he said, gently taking my hand and placing it on his arm. "Well, nothing more important than my sister."

I gazed at Alec, my thoughts wandering. Had he always been this sweet, or had his warmth grown over time? There was a tenderness in his words and actions that made me wonder if he'd become even more protective and loving as we grew older. "Alec," I said, my voice carrying a hint of reprimand. I didn't want him putting everything on hold for a dinner we could always reschedule.

"I promise," he reassured me, chuckling quietly as if amused by my concern. He let go for a moment, only to offer his arm again, more playfully this time. "But we really should go," he reminded me, his tone shifting to one of gentle urgency. We couldn't afford to miss the reservation, not after how hard he'd worked to make it happen.

His easy laughter and insistence made me smile, but the thought still lingered—he always seemed to go out of his way for me.

We arrived at an imposing, expensive-looking building nestled in the heart of the city, its sleek glass facade reflecting the vibrant energy all around. The kind of place where everything, from the lighting to the valet service, spoke of luxury. Oddly enough, Alec had insisted on driving us himself, but I wasn't entirely surprised to see Emil trailing behind in another car, keeping a discreet but ever-watchful distance.

I turned to Alec, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "You just can't help yourself, can you?" I teased, knowing full well the answer. Before he could respond, the valet appeared, swiftly opening my door. As I stepped out, I caught a glimpse of Emil, still in his car, looking faintly sheepish, as if embarrassed to be caught in his protective role yet again.

Oh well, I thought to myself. No matter how much I try to brush it off, it didn't really matter. Alec was unwavering when it came to my safety. Wherever I went, his quiet entourage of guards—Emil included—was never too far behind. For as long as Alec believed there was even a hint of danger, they'd be a shadow following us.

"I just want them around in case something happens," Alec said softly, sensing my thoughts. His grip on my hand tightened gently as he helped me up the steps leading to the grand entrance. "Don't worry. They won't be inside while we're having dinner."