Failed Bribery

Sera

“I want to redecorate.”

Killian was looking at me like I’d suggested going skydiving without a parachute. “Then redecorate. Buy whatever you want. I’ll give you the company card—Ow!”

I had pressed the icepack to his forehead a little too hard. I was overcome with relief at his return, but when he started to put violence before his health, I wasn’t going to let that fly.

“Nope,” I said, letting up. “You’re coming with me. This is your house.”

“And it hasn’t been redecorated in decades. You know furniture is the last thing on my mind.” Killian’s broad hands squeezed my hips. Suddenly, there was a weight to his face, his voice, and the very air around us. “I’m making you the lady of Ricci Manor, Serafina Bianchi. Our home was raided. You protected it the best you could, and I am proud of that. Now, I trust you to make it rise from the ruins.”

I set the icepack on the table beside Killian and rested my forearms on his shoulders, feeling slightly bad when he winced in pain. I felt the