Back at The Cliffs

  Ami’s focus sharpened, as though fitting puzzle pieces together, zeroing in on Sana the moment she slipped her phone back into Seven’s palm.

  “Did Little Kate ask you to arrange an appointment at The Naderi Center?” Ami’s tone was light, casual even, but the undercurrent in her demeanor hinted at something far more probing.

  Sana’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Mmhmm.”

  At the confirmation, Ami didn’t pry further, her heart thudding with quiet excitement. She wondered, Am I going to be a grandmother soon?

  Catching her mother’s hopeful expression, Sana’s own shifted instantly—a blend of acute awareness and disbelief. Damn! Mom’s IQ is downright frightening!

  The silence that followed was broken by Kasra. He spoke evenly, though there was weight behind his words. “Sev, when you start work, I’ll transfer Lara to Data Dynamics. She’ll be under your supervision.”

  Seven inclined his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as memories from the morning surfaced. “Alright. Understood.”

  Beside Kasra, Lara lowered her head, her cheeks blooming a shade of pink as she fought off embarrassment. The recollection of last night and this morning heated her face anew.

  Sana, oblivious to Lara’s mortification, tilted her head and asked with concern, “Lara, Kas said you weren’t feeling well earlier today. Are you alright now?”

  Lara stiffened, then forced herself to meet Sana’s kind gaze, offering a polite, practiced smile. “Yes, thank you, Sana. Seven gave me something for it… I’m fine now.”

  Ami, however, was caught by another train of thought, picking up on the oddity in Kasra’s statement. She turned her attention to her son and demanded, “Kas, why does Lara need to transfer to Data Dynamics? She’s still Sana’s bodyguard, isn’t she? What difference does it make? You’re not making sense.”

  Kasra’s features softened as he reached for Lara’s hand, a rare tenderness breaking through his usually aloof disposition. Lifting her fingers, he brushed them against his lips in a brief, almost reverent kiss. “Because, Mom,” he said, his baritone carrying a trace of pride, “your future daughter-in-law thinks it’s inappropriate to date her employer.”

  The room froze. Ami’s composure cracked as the shock registered on her face. “Are you kidding me?! Why would Lara be interested in a blockhead like you?”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Kasra’s lips quirked at the edge, smug satisfaction lighting his eyes. He watched his mother’s stunned reaction, relishing the rare opportunity to have the rug pulled from under her. For once, he’d flipped the script on her endless nagging, and it was glorious!

  “Why don’t you ask her yourself, Mom? She’s right here.”

  Lara’s cheeks deepened to a scarlet hue. She shot Kasra a glare sharp enough to slice steel. How could he put me on the spot like this?

  Her embarrassment boiled over into irritation, and she squirmed against his grip, itching to yank her hand free. The urge to throttle him simmered just beneath the surface.

  Ami caught the deadly look Lara shot her son and burst into laughter. “With the way she’s glaring at you, I’d say you’ll be back to being a single dawg by morning!”

  Unfazed, Kasra turned toward Lara, only to receive a jolt to his heart. It seemed she was about to incinerate him into ashes with her fiery eyes! Undeterred, he steadied himself and squeezed her hand, his voice dropping to a low, coaxing murmur. “Tell her, darling. Tell her there’s only me in your heart.”

  Lara froze, completely stunned, her mind blank as if the world had stopped. She didn’t know how to respond; her fingers were still being gripped tightly by his without moving. She let her attention drift to their entwined hands, the reality of his plea sinking in. A flicker of understanding softened her tension. She raised his hand to her lips, pressing a light kiss to the back of it.

  Then she turned to Ami and quietly said, “It’s true. We’re together. For real.”

  Another hush settled over the room. Ami blinked rapidly, as if her mind were struggling to keep up with the sudden turn of events. Just last night, she and Sadra had been speculating about how long Kasra would drag his feet. Now, he was confirming the relationship outright. It was enough to give her mental whiplash.

  “Lara dear,” she asked at last, “when did you fall for this iceberg?”

  Lara snapped her head briefly to Sana and then back to Ami before she answered. “A few days ago.”

  Ami nodded thoughtfully, then looked at her son. “And when did you confess?”

  “Last night.” Kasra’s voice carried a note of finality, though he avoided his mother’s knowing gaze.

  Truthfully, it had been Kimi’s bold pursuit of Katherine that gave him the push. But that was a detail he’d take to his grave. “Mom, please, for Lara’s sake, let’s leave it there. We’ll share milestones when we’re ready.”

  Ami’s features softened. She hesitated, weighing whether to push further. Her nosiness, however, won out. “One more thing, son. When’s the wedding?”

  Kasra’s lips curved faintly as he gave Lara a sidelong glance, his tone turning solemn. “Once I’ve asked her parents for her hand and we have their blessing, we’ll get our marriage license. Ideally, I’d like to settle Sana’s case before planning the ceremony.”

  Lara’s heart lurched. His words knocked the wind out of her.

  Marriage? Already?

  She swallowed hard, suddenly feeling cornered. She felt an impulse to slow Kasra’s momentum. Straightening, she jerked her hand from his and steeled herself. “Kasra, we just made things official last night. The transfer to Data Dynamics was what we discussed. Nothing more.”

  But Kasra merely smirked, undeterred. He leaned close, his voice low but resolute. “Didn’t I tell you I’m ready to settle down? I want you to feel secure, Lara. This is how I’ll prove it. Paper or no paper, you’re mine now. Until death do us part.”

  A collective gasp rippled through the room. Ami shook her head, incredulous.

  This iceberg son of mine is so domineering!