Chapter 6 Forks and Warnings

The dining room at the Thorne estate had never felt more like a stage.

The long table, usually bare, now gleamed with silver flatware and crystal glasses. Tall white candles flickered between centerpieces of pale roses and cold marble. It was the kind of setting designed for press photos, charity dinners-not family.

Leo sat near the head of the table, his posture quiet but curious as he poked at the glazed carrots on his plate.

Across from him, Emery adjusted her napkin, trying not to look uncomfortable in her soft lavender dress-the only thing she owned that could pass for semi-formal.

At the far end sat Elena Voss.

Perfect posture. Red lipstick. A stem of wine barely touched.

And next to her, Jaxon Thorne. Still in his work suit, tie loosened, shirt collar open. His presence, even seated, filled the space like tension before a storm.

"Leo," Elena said sweetly, "I heard you're back at school already. That's very brave."

Leo looked at her, then down at his plate.

"He doesn't talk much," Emery said gently, dabbing at Leo's chin with a napkin. "But he listens to everything."

Elena smiled without warmth. "How charming."

Jaxon didn't speak. He cut through his filet like it had personally offended him, glancing at his watch for the third time.

"I hope you don't mind me staying awhile," Elena said, shifting her gaze to Emery. "I imagine the mansion must be a bit much with just the three of you."

Emery met her eyes. "It's more than enough."

"I imagine it is."

Jaxon leaned back. "Elena, maybe now's not the time-"

"I'm just making conversation," she said smoothly. "The nanny's had quite an impact. It's only fair I get to know the woman helping raise your son."

The nanny. Not Emery. Not Miss Vale.

Emery kept her tone calm. "Leo's pretty easy to care for, once you understand him."

"Children can be," Elena said, sipping her wine. "Men, not so much."

That comment made Emery glance up-and catch Jaxon looking at her from across the table. But he looked away quickly, as if the moment hadn't happened.

Just as Emery reached for her water glass, her phone buzzed on the side table.

She glanced at it.

Lucas Hart.

She hadn't saved the contact yet, but she recognized the number.

A small smile crept across her lips before she could stop it.

"Excuse me," she said, rising from her seat.

Jaxon looked up. "Is it Leo's school?"

"No," she said softly. "It's a friend."

Elena arched an eyebrow. "A friend?"

Emery ignored her and stepped out into the hallway, her footsteps light on the marble.

In the foyer, Emery answered with a smile still tugging at her mouth.

"Lucas," she said. "You're punctual."

"I'm a doctor. It's kind of our thing," he teased. "I just wanted to confirm for tomorrow-7:30 at Mara's?"

"Mara's?" She laughed. "You're really pulling the nostalgia card."

"I figured if I take you to the same place you drank your first wine cooler at seventeen, I might get bonus points."

Emery leaned against the wall, tension draining from her shoulders for the first time all day. "Sounds perfect."

"Great. I'll pick you up. No backup security required."

"Sounds even better."

She was still smiling when she hung up.

When she walked back into the dining room, Jaxon's eyes were already on her.

Not subtle.

Not even trying to be.

He watched her like he was trying to decode something. Like her smile was a message written in a language he hadn't learned.

"Sorry," she said, sliding back into her seat.

"No worries," Elena said smoothly. Who was it? .

Emery's smile faltered.

"An old friend?"

"Yes," Emery said again, slower this time.

"Well, how lovely for you." Elena sipped her wine again. "Must be nice to have someone from the real world to escape to. It's easy to lose your sense of scale in a place like this."

Emery didn't answer.

Leo fidgeted in his seat.

Jaxon still hadn't said a word.

Dinner ended in strained silence. Leo was taken up to bed by his night guard, and Emery excused herself to change out of the dress.

But as she walked through the second-floor corridor toward her room, Elena's voice stopped her.

"You've made yourself very comfortable here."

Emery turned.

Elena stood by the banister, wine glass in hand again. A portrait of calm threat.

"I've made myself useful," Emery said.

"Which is exactly what worries me."

Emery blinked. "Excuse me?"

Elena stepped closer, her heels silent on the rug. "Jaxon is vulnerable. He pretends he's not, but he is. Especially now. You're young. You're warm. And you're very, very accessible."

"If you're suggesting anything-"

"Oh, I'm not suggesting anything. I'm warning you."

Emery raised her chin. "He's my boss."

Elena's eyes flicked down her body, then back up. "Yes. For now."

There was a pause, long and sharp.

"What is it you do again?" Elena asked with a cold smile.

"I'm a nanny," Emery said. "And you're a guest."

Elena's smile widened. "We'll see how long that lasts."

Meanwhile, in Jaxon's office, Graham stood at the window, tablet in hand.

"She met him earlier today," he said, swiping to show the still frame. "Lucas Hart. Pediatrician. School friend. No known threats. But he's been in her past. Close enough for concern."

Jaxon stared at the photo.

Emery, smiling. Arms crossed. Lucas standing close.

Too close.

"I thought she didn't know anyone in the city."

"She's not hiding him," Graham said. "He invited her to dinner tomorrow."

Jaxon said nothing.

"Want me to run him out?"

Jaxon didn't respond.

He just stared at the photo again.

At her smile.

The one she hadn't smiled at him.