Friday dinner became Sunday lunch.

Sunday lunch became coffee on Tuesday.

By the following month, Marco stopped pretending Niko's visits to Bennett Veterinary Clinic were about Luna.

One afternoon, Maya found Niko sitting in the waiting room.

Luna occupied his lap.

“You don't have an appointment.”

“I know.”

“Luna isn't sick?”

“No.”

“Injured?”

“No.”

“Then?”

Niko stood.

“I came to see you.”

Every receptionist suddenly became fascinated by paperwork.

Maya smiled.

“Very brave.”

“I've been told.”

“By people who work for you?”

“Mostly.”

She laughed.

But things changed when Maya visited the Bellini estate for the first time.

Not because of the enormous house.

Not because of the marble foyer or chandeliers.

Because Luna ran straight past Maya toward the north hallway.

Maya followed.

“Niko.”

“What?”

“Look.”

Luna stopped at the repaired maintenance door.

She sniffed.

Then hissed.

Maya crouched.

“She's still afraid of this area.”

Niko's expression changed.

Maya stroked Luna's back.

“Whatever happened here scared her.”

Niko crouched opposite her.

“What do I do?”

“Give her a different memory.”

He frowned.

“What?”

“Animals associate places with experiences. Don't force her through the door. Make the hallway normal again.”

“With what?”

“Food. Toys. Things she likes.”

Niko looked at Luna.

“What does she like?”

Maya stared.

“You've had this cat for four years.”

“She likes destruction.”

“Besides destruction.”

Niko considered.

“Salmon.”

“Good.”

“Cashmere.”

“That's not supposed to be a cat toy.”

“She disagrees.”

Maya laughed.

For the next two weeks, they slowly rebuilt Luna's confidence.

No forcing.

No sedation.

No fear.

One evening, Luna finally crossed the hallway by herself.

Maya whispered, “There you go.”

Niko watched Maya instead of the cat.

She noticed.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“That wasn't nothing.”

He stepped closer.

“Maya.”

His voice had changed.

Softer.

“I've spent most of my life believing trust is something people earn once.”

“And?”

“You taught me that's not how it works.”

She looked at him.

“No. Luna taught you.”

“She had assistance.”

Maya smiled.

Niko reached for her hand.

Slowly.

Giving her every opportunity to move away.

She didn't.

“There's something else,” he said.

“What?”

“I don't want you wondering whether you're another temporary thing in my life.”

Her smile faded.

“Niko…”

“I know what people say about me.”

“This isn't about people.”

“I know.”

He squeezed her hand gently.

“It's about what you want.”

Maya studied him.

“And if I want slow?”

“Then slow.”

“If I don't want people following me everywhere?”

“Marco will be devastated.”

From the doorway came Marco's voice.

“I'll recover.”

Maya jumped.

Niko closed his eyes.

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know I'm apparently a relationship expense.”

“Leave.”

Marco disappeared.

Maya laughed.

Then Niko smiled.

Not the small controlled almost-smile she'd seen before.

A real one.

She touched his jaw.

“I like that.”

“What?”

“You smiling.”

“Don't tell anyone.”

“Terrifying reputation?”

“Exactly.”

She kissed him.

Brief.

Soft.

Certain.

Behind them came a loud meow.

They separated.

Luna sat between them.

Maya looked down.

“Jealous?”

Niko sighed.

“Of my cat?”

Maya grinned.

“Still too fast.”

---