The sun streamed through the windows, its golden rays gently nudging Katherine from her slumber. Her eyelids fluttered open, and disorientation settled over her like a lingering fog as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings. She wasn’t in her own room; instead, she found herself nestled in a sweetheart’s cradle, half of her body draped across Kimi, his steady breathing a quiet rhythm that matched the rise and fall of his chest.
Kimi stirred, sensing her movements, his voice thick with sleep. “Good morning, Katherine.”
She blinked a few times, suddenly hyper-aware of the warmth radiating from his body and the closeness between them. Jerking upright, her cheeks heated in embarrassment. “Ah! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to invade your personal space. I must have gravitated to you because you’re a human heater.”
A chuckle escaped Kimi’s throat, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he propped himself up on one elbow. “Relax. You’re welcome to invade my personal space anytime. It’s my pleasure to provide 24/7 heating service for my girlfriend. Shall we get ready for breakfast?”
Blushing deeper, Katherine sprang from the bed, her feet barely touching the floor as she darted toward the bathroom.
……
In the aftermath of her flight, Kimi sank back against his pillow, a mixture of relief and frustration coursing through him. He'd spent the night wrestling with temptation. Am I a masochist? I must’ve been out of my mind to torture myself like this!
Fifteen minutes later, Katherine emerged from the shower, her hair damp and her cheeks still flushed from the steam. She was dressed and ready to go. Kimi, however, took twice as long, battling the undeniable urge of his body as he stood under the cold shower spray. He finally stepped out of the bathroom, towel clinging low on his hips, water droplets glistening on his well-toned physique.
Katherine froze, jaw slack.
“Like what you see?” Kimi teased, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of his mouth as he crossed the room to the walk-in closet, his movements deliberately slow.
In her daze, she nodded before her brain could process his words. She quickly feigned annoyance and snapped, “Tsk! Quit being a hooligan! Hurry up and put on some clothes before I arrest you for indecent exposure!”
Kimi broke into a devilish laugh. “Oh, come on! My body’s just waiting for your inspection. And as for the arrest, good luck trying to cuff a lawyer in his own lair! Besides, I could charm my way out of any courtroom, especially one presided over by Judge Kitty. She has a soft spot for my looks!”
Defeated, Katherine rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue, her reaction eliciting a victorious smirk from Kimi as he disappeared into the closet.
……
They descended the spiral staircase together, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, guiding them to the gourmet kitchen. As they entered the adjoining circular breakfast room, the lively chatter came to a screeching halt, surprise flickering across faces like a ripple in a calm pond.
Ami broke the stunned silence with her cheery disposition. “What a good morning it is! Not only do we have the pleasure of Lara’s company, but also Little Kate’s. You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? What would you like? I’ll get the chef to prepare it.”
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Kimi’s expression soured at his mother’s disregard. “Good morning, everyone. Mom, did you forget about me?”
Ami huffed mockingly. “I’ve been your mother for 27 years! Wouldn’t I know what you eat for breakfast?”
His brothers snickered, and Ami turned back to Katherine. “So, what do you fancy, Little Kate?”
Katherine’s cheeks warmed. “Good morning, everyone. Aunt Ami, I’ll have a latte.”
Ami’s brows knitted in disapproval. “What? Just a latte? That’s not proper fuel for your busy body! How about toast, scrambled eggs, and sausages with your latte?”
Katherine beamed, feeling welcomed yet slightly overwhelmed by the attention. “I’ll have what Kimi’s having then. It’ll save the chef time.”
Ami relented, heading to the back kitchen to inform the chef of their order. Katherine and Kimi settled down next to each other, a servant arranging their placemats and utensils with a practiced touch. Their drinks arrived swiftly, the rich aroma of Kimi’s black coffee mingling with Katherine’s frothy latte, whetted their appetites.
“Little Kate, when did you arrive? We didn’t get any call from the guards at the entrance,” Ami inquired.
Katherine exchanged a hesitant glance with Kimi, weighing her thoughts. Sensing her unease, Kimi stepped in. “Mom, I brought her here last night. Her room’s been uninhabited for years, and I was worried about her after seeing how upset she was at the hospital.”
Ami nodded in understanding, but Sadra looked bewildered. “What?! Why didn’t we see her with you last night?”
Kimi calmly replied, “I went over to her place after I’d returned. I wanted to check on her well-being.”
Sadra’s initial confusion shifted to pride as he recognized Kimi’s empathy. Yet, a sudden wave of protectiveness surged within him; after all, he knew how young, virile men thought. “Did you take advantage of Kate in her vulnerable state?!” he thundered.
Kimi locked eyes with his father, his stare unflinching. “I did no such thing, Dad. But I can confirm Katherine has agreed to date me exclusively. She’s my girlfriend now.”
Ami gasped, her maternal instincts kicking in. “Son, isn’t this too rash? You just met her! What if you hurt Little Kate later on? Her parents are no longer around to support her.”
Kimi balled his fists, determination set in his jaw. “Mom, didn’t you just say you know me inside out? I’m not a flake; I’ve always been decisive. It took a lot to convince her to agree to be my girlfriend. I even told Katherine it’d be great to get our marriage license today, but she’s not ready. Come to think of it, she should experience courtship like other girls. Regardless, I promised to let her wear the pants in our relationship.”
He took a breath, letting the gravity of his words settle over the room. “Dad, I’ve learned from how you treat Mom. I’ll treat Katherine the same way. I’ve taken the day off to spend time with her. I want to pay my respects to her parents and reassure them that I’ll treasure her and take good care of her.”
Ami and Sadra exchanged knowing looks, their expressions softening into acceptance.
“Alright, but know that if we ever need to intervene, we’ll always stand on Kate’s side,” Sadra relented as he leaned back in his chair.
He turned to Katherine, his manner serious. “Kate, if this smelly boy ever bullies you, just say the word. I’ll whip his ass until he won’t be able to sit for months!”
Ami reached over, gently patting Katherine’s hand. “Yes, we’ll be your backers from now on.”
Katherine, overwhelmed yet grateful, managed, “Thank you, Aunt Ami, Uncle Sadra. I’m very touched that you have my back.”
Ami, still thirsting for details, leaned closer and asked, “So, Little Kate, how did this rascal convince you to be his girlfriend?”
Katherine squinted at Kimi, her lips twitching with a suppressed grin. “Aunt Ami, did you forget what your son does for a living? It’s hard for a cop to outtalk a lawyer.”
Laughter erupted around the table, a comforting balm that eased the earlier tension.
Then, Katherine poked his arm with a finger. “In any case, he’s already said I call the shots in this relationship. If he does something to piss me off, I’ll kick his ass to the curb. I’m a cop, so it’s act first, talk later!”
Her tough-as-nails proclamation sparked another round of chuckles, the warmth of acceptance wrapping around her like a cozy blanket. Katherine felt a tug of something deeper—a family welcoming her into their fold, tentatively, but sincerely.
