Carter’s POV
stepped out of Rachel’s cottage, my heart still dancing to the melody she had just played. Her fingers had moved across those harp strings with such grace, creating sounds that penetrated deep into my soul.
The memory of her copper hair catching the light made my chest tighten in a way I hadn’t expected.
Lucas was waiting at the end of the driveway, my briefcase in hand. is eyebrow raised in that knowing way that always irritated
- me.
“You’re going to be late for the Eclipse meeting, sir,” he said.
I shot him a look that would have made most men tremble. Lucas merely smiled.
‘Is the plan proceeding well? Did she like the harp?” he asked as we approached the waiting car.
“She loved it. The plan is proceeding perfectly,” I confirmed, sliding into the backseat of my car. The leather seats felt cool against my back, a stark contrast to the warmth I’d felt watching Rose play.
Lucas climbed in beside me, a small smile playing on his lips. “Perhaps…” he began, his voice deliberately casual, “you’re becoming enchanted by her?”
I turned to him, my eyes flashing gold with warning. “Lucas, I suggest you choose your next words carefully, unless you want to exit this vehicle while it’s still moving.”
He immediately straightened his posture, but that knowing look remained. “Of course, sir. My apologies.”
She is truly beautiful, I confessed inwardly. Her copper hair shimmers red–gold in the sunlight, her belly’s gentle curve cradling her cub, and that serene expression as music consumes her…
(
My heart quickened with an unexpected warmth. I shook my head slightly. This was business. I couldn’t afford to lose focus on what truly mattered.
My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Draco’s name flashed on the screen.
“What?” I answered sharply.
“How’s it going?” Draco’s voice came through, irritatingly casual.
“Not as well as it should be, considering you failed to do
of the plan.”
your
job properly,” I growled. “She was beaten, Draco. That was never part
“I didn’t know-”
“You should have. That’s your responsibility,” I cut him off. “Stay on the island. No one leaves Phantom without my express permission, understood?”
“But-”
“Lucas will text you with some other tasks. Don’t disappoint me again. I ended the call before he could protest further.
I turned to Lucas. “Has a word about Holt?”
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Chapter 106.
Lucas nodded. “He’s taken care of Marsh and his four associates. The money has been secured as well?
“And the northern supply chain?”
Operating smoothly, sir. The shipments have gone out as scheduled
I leaned back against the seat, letting satisfaction wash over me. Everything was falling into place, piece by piece.
Rachel’s POV
Hours after Carter left, I was still at the harp, my fingers dancing across the strings. The light cast long shadows across my cottage floor, but I barely noticed as I lost myself in the music.
I found myself wishing Carter was still here, sitting in that comfortable chair with his eyes closed, that peaceful smile on his face. There was something deeply satisfying about bringing someone joy through music.
With Nathan, I’d never felt that appreciation. He’d listen, yes, but always with that calculating gaze, as if assessing my worth rather than enjoying the melody.
A knock at the door startled me from my thoughts.
“Miss?” Scarlet’s voice called out. “It’s past two. You should eat something.”
My stomach growled in response, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. “Coming!” I called back, reluctantly leaving the harp.
In the dining room, Scarlet had prepared sandwiches, fruit, and a small bowl of soup. Selena joined us, and I found myself eagerly sharing the day’s adventures.
“You should have seen the little island we visited,” I said between bites. “And the baby furniture store had the most beautiful cribs!”
“And Carter bought you a harp?” Scarlet asked, her eyes twinkling.
“He did,” I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm. “He says it’s how I can repay him for everything–by playing for him.”
Scarlet exchanged a knowing look with Selena. “Seems like he’s quite taken with you.”
I shook my head firmly. “We’re just friends. Besides, I’m pregnant with another man’s child.”
emphasized “You’ve been through so much,” Selena said gently. “Perhaps it’s time to start trusting people again.” The way she emphasized “people” made it clear she meant Carter.
Long after midnight, I lay in bed, one hand resting on my swollen belly, feeling my cub’s occasional movements. I tried not to think about Nathan, about those nights when he’d hold me close, his hand splayed protectively over our growing child.
My fingers ached from playing the harp all evening, but it was a pleasant pain, a reminder of the joy music brought me.
My phone buzzed on the nightstand. A text message from Carter: [Still awake?]
I smiled and typed back: [No]
A moment later, another message appeared with a laughing emoji: [Texting in your sleep? Impressive.]
Are you in Eclipse?] I asked.
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Chapter 106
He replied: [I’m at your front door.
My heart skipped a beat. I clinibed out of bed, wrapped myself in a be, and slipped my feet into slippers before padding to the
door
When I opened it, Carter stood in the moonlight, looking slightly disheveled but smiling. His tie was loosened, his hair tousled, and in his hand, he held a silver pendant that seemed to glow in the moonlight–a Moon Goddess amulet symbolizing friendship and protection.
“Would you sing me a lullaby?” he asked, his voice soft in the night air.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you always bring gifts at midnight?”
He shrugged, his eyes twinkling with golden flecks. “It’s kind of my thing.”
I stepped aside to let him in, leading him to the living room where my beautiful harp waited. As he settled onto the couch, I went to fetch a blanket and pillow from the linen closet.
When I returned, Carter was watching me with those intense gray eyes that reminded me so much of Nathan’s, yet held a gentleness Nathan’s never did.
“Thank you,” he said simply as I handed him the bedding. In the soft lamplight, with his guard down, he looked almost vulnerable.
I moved toward the harp, ready to play him to sleep, wondering what this strange new friendship might become.
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