Page 128 of Claimed By The Other Brother

"What time do you want me over tonight?"

A smile tugs at my lips.

"Right after your last meeting."

"I have a call with investors at five. Should be done by six.”

"I'll be waiting."

His eyes darken slightly. "Good."

Someone rounds the corner, and we step apart, professional distance restored. But the anticipation is already building.

By the time Dax arrives at my apartment that evening, I'm already changed into comfortable clothes—leggings and a soft sweater. He barely makes it through the door before his hands are on me.

We don't make it to the bedroom right away. The couch. Then the hallway. Finally, my bed. Afterward, we lie tangled in sheets, breathing hard, my head on his chest.

"I should make dinner," I say eventually.

"Stay here."

"I'm starving. And you must be too."

He sighs dramatically.

"Fine. What are you making?"

"Pasta. Salad. Garlic bread." I prop myself up on one elbow, grinning.

"Not quite Michelin star level like you're used to, but I promise it's edible."

He pulls me down for a kiss.

"I'm sure it's perfect."

I slip out of bed and pull on my lounge clothes again—soft pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Dax is still in bed, watching me with that lazy, satisfied expression.

"I'll be in the kitchen," I tell him.

"Don't take too long or I'll eat all the garlic bread myself."

"Noted."

I head to the kitchen, turning on music from my phone and pulling out ingredients. Boiling water for pasta, chopping vegetables for salad, preheating the oven for garlic bread. I'm humming along to the music, completely content, when there's a knock at my door.

I freeze.

I'm not expecting anyone. And I didn't hear the buzzer from downstairs. Another knock. More insistent.

I wipe my hands on a towel and walk to the door, looking through the peephole. My heart drops into my stomach.

Miles. Miles is standing in my hallway.

The knock comesagain, louder.

"Scarlett, I know you're in there. I can hear the music."

I look back down the hallway toward the bedroom, praying Dax doesn't walk out.