Chapter 24: The Knock Between Moments

The last of the warm milk lingered in Tristan's cup, now forgotten as he sat beside Raine at the counter, the faintest of smiles still ghosting his lips. The atmosphere between them had shifted—gently, irrevocably. Her words had seeped into the cracks he thought no one could reach. And though he hadn't said it, her presence had pulled him back from the shadows.

They were mid-laugh—Raine chuckling at her own ridiculous impersonation of a fashion critic, describing her blue sundress like it was runway couture—when a knock echoed from the front door.

Three short raps. Familiar. Confident.

Tristan's eyes immediately narrowed. Only a few people knew the security clearance codes for this floor. And fewer would dare interrupt him in this space.

Raine tilted her head. "Are you expecting someone?"

Before Tristan could answer, the door opened with a mechanical click—authorized access.

"Yo," came a too-casual voice. "Hope I'm not interrupting a breakfast date."

Nick leaned against the doorframe with his usual smirk, dressed in a pale suit jacket over a turtleneck, his vibe too smooth for someone who was, only last night, wiping blood off the floor of a warehouse.

Raine blinked. "Oh, it's you again! Nick, right?"

Nick gave her a two-finger salute. "In the flesh. Raine Callahan, the lovely chef, right?"

Tristan rolled his eyes. "What do you want?"

Nick stepped inside, his gaze sliding between Raine and Tristan. A smile curled his lips—teasing, knowing. "Just checking in, boss. After last night, wasn't sure if I'd find you brooding with a blade in the dark… or cuddling up with cinnamon milk."

Tristan shot him a death glare.

Raine blinked in confusion. "Last night?"

Nick immediately schooled his expression. "Ah—I meant… last night's stressful meeting. You know how business stuff is. So intense."

Tristan subtly kicked Nick under the table.

Nick winced, clearing his throat. "Anyway, I just wanted to drop by and see if Jeff here survived the night without turning into a grumpy scarecrow."

Raine laughed. "Actually, he was acting a little weird this morning, but I think he's better now."

Nick's eyes sparkled. "Aww. Did you give him a motivational speech and warm milk, sunshine style?"

"Actually, yes," Raine said proudly. "You should try it sometime. Works wonders."

Tristan sighed. "Nick…"

Nick grinned. "Right, right. I'll be good."

He walked over, glanced at the empty mugs, then gave Tristan a subtle look—one only they could understand. A check-in. A silent question: You alright?

Tristan gave the smallest nod. Barely perceptible.

Nick let out a breath and smiled wider. "Good. Was worried you were gonna take off again and disappear into one of your caves."

"I'm not a bat," Tristan muttered.

Raine squinted between them. "Wait… you two act like you've known each other forever."

Nick winked. "We go way back. Practically family. Right, Jeffrey?"

Tristan gave him another warning look.

Nick, undeterred, turned to Raine. "So… Raine. Our guy here been good? Helping with the plants? Learning the fine art of not killing innocent cacti?"

"Oh, he's improving," Raine said with a giggle. "Still suspiciously un-gardener-like, though."

"Yeah, well…" Nick smirked. "He's always been more of a... hands-on kind of guy."

Raine tilted her head. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nick raised his hands. "Nothing, nothing. Just saying Jeff's full of surprises."

Tristan stood up, exasperated. "Okay, Nick. You've delivered your nonsense. Now leave."

Nick chuckled. "Fine, fine. But one last thing—"

He pulled a small package from his coat pocket and placed it on the table. A carefully wrapped box with a blue ribbon.

"For Raine," he said. "From the kitchen team at the hotel. They were impressed with your food assessment. Said they'd like to learn from you if you're ever interested."

Raine's eyes widened. "Wait—really? But I was so harsh on the review…"

"They loved it," Nick said. "Said it was the most honest, professional critique they've seen in years."

Tristan glanced at Nick in surprise, but Nick didn't look at him. Just smiled at Raine.

"Anyway," Nick continued, walking toward the door. "I'll leave you two lovebirds—err, I mean, plant buddies—to it."

Tristan groaned.

Raine flushed pink. "We're not—!"

But Nick was already gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

Silence returned, thick with unsaid things and half-hidden smiles.

Tristan glanced at Raine. She was staring at the box with wonder in her eyes.

"You really wrote a whole critique?" he asked.

She nodded. "It was meant to help… not insult."

He found himself smiling again. "Of course you did."

As Raine unwrapped the ribbon, humming under her breath, Tristan leaned back slightly, watching her.

For the first time in a long time, he felt something other than the weight of secrets.

He felt... seen.

And maybe, just maybe, safe.