The Friday morning light in the Zenith was soft, filtered through the floor-to-ceiling glass that overlooked a waking Aurelia. Jake stood in front of the master suite mirror, adjusting the silver links of his cuffs. The day felt heavy, but for once, it wasn't the weight of a burden—it was the weight of an anchor.
Catharine appeared behind him, still wrapped in her silk robe, holding two steaming mugs of coffee. She handed one to him, her fingers lingering against his for a second, grounding him.
"You're unusually focused this morning," she noted, her eyes searching his in the reflection. "Is this about the meeting at Aurelia Capitals?"
"It's about taking care of pests encroaching on what's ours," Jake admitted, taking a slow sip. He turned and caught her waist, pulling her gently toward him. "I'll be late tonight. Marcus called the full board."
