CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN - HIDDEN INTENTIONS

Just before they reached the main building, Erik pulled Anna to a stop. He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that took her breath away. "Thank you," he said softly. Anna tilted her head, puzzled. "For what?" "For being you. For bringing light into my life when I didn't even realize how much I needed it." Before Anna could respond, Erik closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a kiss that made her weak in the knees. It was tender and passionate all at once, a promise and a declaration wrapped into one. When they finally parted, both slightly breathless, Anna couldn't help but smile. Despite the challenges they faced, in that moment, everything felt right. As they resumed their walk back to the mansion, Anna couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the tree line, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Still, an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Little did she k