Chapter 68
Chapter 68:
“You are not cold, Dallas. You are burning,” she said, feeling the heat radiating through his shirt.
Dallas covered her hand with his. His fingers were rough and calloused. “Why are you telling me this p>
“Because I want you to know I’m not afraid of your past,” she said. “And I’m proud to be your wife. Even if it started as a contract p>
Dallas stared at her. The walls he had built since boyhood were crumbling.
𝖳𝗿еn𝗱in𝗀 ոo𝘃e𝘭s 𝘰𝗇.с𝘰𝗺
“Proud?” he repeated, as though the word were in a foreign language.
“Yes,” she smiled. “My husband is a hero p>
Dallas pulled her into a hug — desperate and tight. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing her in deeply.
“I am no hero, Eliza,” he murmured against her skin. “I am just a man who wants to keep you safe p>
“That’s enough for me,” she replied.
They stood together in the wind, held in the quiet of the moment — until his phone buzzed sharply against the railing, shattering the stillness. Dallas pulled back, his expression hardening as he looked at the screen.
“It’s started,” he said grimly. He turned the phone so she could see.
It was a financial news alert.
SOLOMON INDUSTRIES BEGINS RAPID LIQUIDATION OF ASSETS.
“Your uncle,” Dallas said, his voice dropping to a low growl. “He’s cashing out. Trying to run before the creditors take everything p>
The next morning, the black Maybach was waiting in the garage.
Dallas opened the passenger door for her. Weston was nowhere to be seen.
“You don’t have to drive me. I can take a cab,” Eliza said, adjusting her blazer. It was her first day at S&D.
“I want to. It’s your first day,” Dallas said.
He got in the driver’s seat. He looked different today — lighter, as though the weight of his secret had finally lifted from his shoulders.
He rested a hand on her thigh as he drove. It was possessive and warm. Eliza didn’t push it away. She covered it with hers.
They talked about S&D. Dallas offered insider advice about Augustina.
“She hates sycophants. Be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable,” he said. “And never apologize for having an opinion p>
They arrived at the underground garage of the S&D building. Dallas parked in a secluded spot away from the elevators and cut the engine. Silence filled the car.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“A little,” she admitted. “Everyone will be watching me now. The Hyde charity case who is somehow Mrs. Koch p>
“Let them talk,” Dallas said. “Then show them your work. Silence them with excellence.” He leaned across the center console. “And if anyone gives you trouble — tell them who your husband is.” A smirk played at the corner of his mouth.
Eliza laughed. “I thought you preferred to operate from the shadows p>
“When it comes to you, I’ve changed my mind. I want everyone to know,” he whispered.