His voice grew softer. “So you simply wanted to kiss me?"

Olivia lowered her gaze. "Don't push it! Put me down!"

He held on to her, though. The room was silent. It was nap time. The study didn't have a bed, just a small sofa.

He desired her but didn't want to upset her.

For most couples, a moment on the desk might be intriguing. But their situation was unique. He had to be mindful of her emotions.

It was such a dilemma.

He then whispered in her ear, “How about we make do here, okay? Remember, the room's not soundproof, so keep it down.”

Olivia turned her head away, her voice firm.

"I'm not in the mood, Dylan!"

She had other things on her mind, thoughts she hesitated to voice—like how the future might prove duller than the past, and when she wasn't in the mood, intimacy was off the table. She doubted she could provide the life Dylan envisioned and even wondered if he should reassess their relationship.

"I don't think you need to overthink this," Dylan said, gently covering her mouth with his hand.

Tears filled Olivia's eyes as memories surged, recalling a time when Dylan had forced her to choose between him and Raphael, a choice that had trapped her in a painful dilemma.

Dylan held the back of her neck, drawing her close until she faced him.

Their foreheads touched, his breath warm against her skin. He apologized softly. Olivia remained silent, not pulling away, their closeness a silent accord.

They stood like that for a while until a servant's knock at the door broke the moment.

The servant inquired whether to leave some items here or take them along to Duefron. Startled, Olivia tried to push Dylan away, but he held her firmly by the waist. She managed to answer in a raspy voice, “Just leave them here."

As the servant's footsteps faded, Olivia pounded on Dylan's shoulder, her tone pleading. “Put me down! And let's not do this during the day. It would be terribly awkward if the servants walked in on us.”

Dylan, ever the tease, responded, “What about at night then?"

After a moment's thought, Olivia replied, "You'll be taking the night shift to look after Eason!"

With a broad smile, Dylan let her go, saying cheerfully, “Deal! You're the boss. Whenever you need me, I'm at your service!"