Page 33 of The Baker’s Shadow

“That’s not helpful.”

“It’s honest.” He pushes off the counter. “But for what it’s worth, you’re doing everything right. The bread. The feeding. You’re keeping me strong enough to protect you. To protect the baby. That’s all that matters right now.”

“Until Preston makes his next move.”

“Yes.”

“And then what?”

Malak’s smile is sharp. Predatory. “Then I show him what happens when someone threatens what’s mine.”

The words should scare me. Instead, they settle into my chest like an anchor.

“Okay.” I stand up, brushing flour from my apron. “I’ll keep baking. You keep eating. And we’ll figure out the rest as we go.”

He studies my face for a long moment. “You’re stronger than you think.”

“I’m terrified.”

“That’s not mutually exclusive.”

I laugh. It comes out shaky, but it’s real. “Feed him well. God, she must have thought I was an idiot.”

“She thought you were claimed. There’s a difference.”

“Is there?”

“Yes.” He reaches out, tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture is gentle. Careful. Like I’m something breakable. “Being claimed means you’re protected. Being an idiot means you don’t know when to run.”

“Should I run?”

“Too late for that.”

“Yeah,” I whisper. “I figured.”

.

CHAPTER 10

Kaia

Malak moves into the spare room that night. But by morning, the walls feel too thin. The space too small. Every breath he takes seems to fill the apartment. Every time I pass the hallway, I feel his presence like static electricity.

“This isn't working,” I tell him on day three.

He’s making coffee in my kitchen like he belongs here. Like this is normal. “What isn't working?”

“This. You. Here.” I gesture vaguely at everything. “I can't think. Can't breathe. I need space.”

His jaw tightens. “The baby needs me.”

“One feeding. That's all. I'll be fine for a while.””I’m not sure if I'm lying. “Just, give me some time to adjust. I'll call you if anything changes.”

He stares at me for a long moment. Then sets down the coffee mug. “You’re making a mistake.”

“Probably. But it's my mistake to make.”

He leaves. Takes nothing but his coat. The apartment feels bigger immediately. Emptier.