d by his ambition. "

slight smile. "But it'

deniable connection between them, a magnetic attraction that Ana couldn't i

s, tripped on the edge of the carpet at the entrance. Before she hits the ground, a strong hand grabs

he said softly, h

ispered, embarrasse

," he replied, his eyes fixed on

e at his words. "Maybe," she admitt

e got in, Christian grabbed her arm. "Ana, there's so

ng apprehension rising w

pects of my life that few people know about. And if you decide to cont

en. "What are you trying

racted to you, Ana, more than I should be. But I

hurt me? » she asked, a hi

his hair. "Because I'm broken, Ana. And I

light," she whispered, her ey

ft but tinged with sadness. "That's what I

my strength," she s

e his eyes. "You are a remarkable woman, Ana Steele.

n," she said sincerely. "And I w

fore leaning down and placing a light kiss o

nt, a warning that she should not take lightly. But despite everything, she felt an irresistible attr

ound Kate still sitting on the co

ate asked, her eyes sp

ng," Ana replied, sit

» Kate insisted, t

hts still muddled. "He told me he had dark sides,

ark sides? What

d. "But he seemed really concerned

ly. "Maybe you should take a step back

id determinedly. "I want to

aid, putting a hand on his arm.

r friend's concern. "I'll b

hts. Every detail of their meeting, every word exchanged kept coming back. She knew there was something special betwe

her room, her phone vibrated. She too

ee you t

ight of his name. She hesitate

ith ple

leasant, and the leaves on the trees were starting to change color. Th

ought

Christian said finally

eplied, looking

ed, his tone s

ou really are," she said with de

r with burning intensity. "Are y

"I want to know everything about you, C

his eyes. "Then I suppose we have a

rmth and confidence wash over he

na, it was the start of an adventure, an exploration of the mysteries and depths of Chri

not stopped thinking about Christian. His words, his intense gaze, the way he made her feel... It a

g. Ana rushed to the door, expecting Kate to come home sooner tha

eele? »

it's

very man handed him the package with

sh label bearing his name. She carefully opened the package and discovered a leather-bound book.

the cover. Ana took it and read

ho deserves the b

e knew that this gift had a special meaning, that Christian had chosen this book with care. She remembered their conversation about "Tes

st pages, getting carried away by Tess's story. But his thoughts kept returning

hen her phone vibrated. A message f

the book. Could w

speed up. She quick

The book is magnificent. Tonight,

plied, "At 7 p.m. I

She couldn't help but wonder what Christian had planned for tonight, and above all, how she felt a