Chapter 311
But before Anastasia could take a single step, a strong arm wrapped firmly around her waist, hauling her right back into Harrison’s grasp.
“I’m sorry, honey! I shouldn’t have joked like that! You’re not old at all, I swear-”
Anastasia immediately crumbled, wailing theatrically in hopes of softening her husband’s heart.
Harrison eyed her skeptically-there wasn’t even a hint of real tears on her face. Not fooled for a second, he narrowed his gaze, tilting her chin up with a cool, dangerous edge to his voice. “So Ana thinks I’m getting old? Or is it that I haven’t been doing enough for you lately?”
For a moment, Anastasia wondered just what kind of “doing” he meant. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and her bright, watery eyes darted away, unable to meet the intensity in his own.
“You’re not old at all!” she blurted, eager to placate him. “You’re only eight years older than me! If anything, I should be calling you ‘big brother,’ not ‘dad Harrison paused, his eyes darkening with an unspoken heat. “Call me what?”
“Big… brother Anastasia trailed off, her voice shrinking as she finally met his gaze, feeling as though she’d just signed her own doom. Her face burned, and she could barely get the words out.
She felt his body tense beneath her touch, and in that instant, Anastasia realized she’d stumbled onto a secret weapon.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she stood on tiptoe and whispered softly in his ear, her voice light as a feather, “Big brother.”
Harrison’s eyes fluttered closed for a heartbeat, and the next thing Anastasia knew, she was swept up in his arms with a startled yelp.
“Tell her she’s off for the rest of the day!” he called to Logan over his shoulder, already striding upstairs with Anastasia in tow.
Logan just stared after them, speechless.
Anastasia would spend the rest of the afternoon paying dearly for her little act of mischief.
When it was finally over, Harrison held her close, his arms an unyielding cage. There was no escaping his grasp.
“Say what you said earlier. Again.”
Anastasia, exhausted and dazed, blinked up at him in confusion. “What… what did I say?”
Harrison simply stared at her, offering no hints.
She searched her memory, and then it struck her. “I like you
“Again,” Harrison prompted, his voice low.
A secret little smile curved Anastasia’s lips. “I like you!”
She had been the one to come to Rosewood Manor, the one who chose to stay and get close to him. But until now, she’d never actually put her feelings into words-no wonder Harrison was so affected.
Seeing the storm swirling in his dark eyes, Anastasia grew a little anxious, half- worried he’d get carried away again.
But to her relief, he didn’t. He simply cradled her face in his hands and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips—a kiss full of tenderness and devotion.
Anastasia lost herself in his gaze, her heart racing wildly in her chest.
That afternoon, the air in the apartment was thick with sweetness and laughter, the joy so contagious that even the house staff couldn’t help but smile whenever they caught a glimpse of the two together.
Later, at dinner, Harrison seemed to ask offhandedly, “Do you really think I’m old, Ana?”
Anastasia paused with her fork mid-air, surprised by the question. Googlá´‡ search ~net
He looked completely nonchalant, as though the subject meant nothing to him. But Anastasia knew better. If it truly didn’t matter, he wouldn’t have brought it up again.
“Of course you’re not old!” she said, regretting her earlier teasing.
There was an age gap between them, but she didn’t mind it in the slightest. In fact, she cherished it. With him, she felt a sense of security, free to be herself, to act spoiled—because she knew he’d always indulge her.
“Even if you were eighty, you’d still be the most handsome to me. And you’re only twenty-seven!” Anastasia hugged his arm, her voice as soft as velvet.
Harrison lowered his gaze, searching her eyes for any trace of insincerity. Finding only earnest affection, the tension in his jaw finally eased. He ruffled her hair and said simply, “Eat.”
Seeing he’d finally relaxed, Anastasia let out a breath of relief. She picked up her fork again and eagerly served him a piece of shrimp. “Here, honey, try this!”