Lucian's pov
I carefully balanced the tray, the warmth of the fresh soup seeping through the silver edges as I pushed open the door. The moment Alina looked up and saw me, her entire face lit up.
She immediately shifted, bracing her hands against the mattress to sit up, but I was already moving. "Don't even think about it," I murmured, setting the tray gently across her lap and nudging her shoulders back against the stacked pillows.
Alina let out a soft huff, though her eyes were shining. "Lucian, I've been stuck in this bed for a week now. If I keep living like this, I'm going to get incredibly lazy and fat."
"I don't mind," I said, a slow smile spreading across my face as I leaned down to brush my lips against her cheek. "I'll always take care of you. And if you do get fat, don't worry—I've got more than enough muscle to carry you around."
She laughed, the sweet, melodic sound filling the bedroom, only to be interrupted by a tiny, high-pitched coo from the bassinet.
