CHAPTER 5: Morning Routine and Muffled Glared

The sun hadn’t even pierced through the heavy snow clouds over the Swiss hills when Alec’s alarm buzzed at 6:00 AM.

He didn't sleep a wink. He dragged himself out of bed. He was still wearing the red velvet pants from his Santa costume. He marched straight into the pitch-black living room. He flipped on the lights, blinding the man tied to the heavy metal radiator on the floor.

Dominic blinked aggressively against the sudden brightness. His pristine designer suit was entirely wrinkled. The duct tape across his mouth stretched tight as his jaw clamped shut in anger. He looked up at Alec, his dark eyes shooting absolute daggers.

You actually left me on this freezing hardwood floor all night?! Dominic screamed inside his own head. His muscles ached from the cold Alpine draft. Me! A billionaire! I came here to give you premium chocolates, and you treated me like a stray dog!

Alec didn't even look at him. He plugged his wireless earbud into his ear and dialed a number while cracking eggs into a hot skillet.

"Good morning, Counselor," Alec said, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper as he flipped a pancake. "Yes, I know it's Christmas morning. But I need you to draft an immediate, emergency restraining order against Dominic. He tracked me to my Swiss address. He's currently inside my house."

On the floor, Dominic’s eyes went wide. A restraining order?! He thrashed against the steel handcuffs, the metal clinking loudly. Darling, you can't file a restraining order against the man who loves you! I will literally buy your lawyer’s entire firm just to shred the paperwork!

"No, he hasn't gotten violent," Alec continued over the phone, ignoring the muffled, furious noises from the floor. "But he used bribery to leak my classified federal file. Just get the papers ready. I’ll sign them after I take my daughter to the mall."

"Daddy...?"The soft, sleepy voice made both men freeze.

Annie padded into the living room. She was rubbing her eyes, her long, dark hair a chaotic, tangled mess around her shoulders. She stopped in her tracks. She looked down at the couch, then down at the floor, staring directly at the gagged, impeccably handsome billionaire tied to their radiator.

She blinked once. She blinked twice. She put her hands on her little hips.

"Daddy," Annie sighed, her voice filled with pure, unimpressed disappointment. "Is it a stalker again?"

Dominic’s jaw practically dropped beneath the duct tape. Again?! His mind went into a complete tailspin. What do you mean 'again'?! How many bastards have been tracking my detective down while I was locked away in chains?! Who are they?! I'll murder them all!

"Yes, sweetheart," Alec replied smoothly, hanging up his phone. He walked over, lifting Annie into his arms and intentionally turning her back to Dominic. "Just ignore him. Come have your breakfast and take a warm bath. We are going to the mall today."

"Can we see Santa?" she mumbled into his neck.

"Of course we can."

Alec carried her into the kitchen. He set her at the table with a plate of warm pancakes. While she ate, Alec propped his phone up against a milk carton. He pulled up a video tutorial titled How to Style and Braid Thick, Dark Hair.

Back in the living room, Dominic was left in the shadows, his chest heaving with silent, unvented rage. He could hear the cheerful video music playing from the kitchen. He heard Alec’s gentle voice trying to copy the tutorial, struggling to neatly pack Annie's dark locks into a neat holiday hairstyle.

Dominic slumped against the radiator, his glare softening into a brooding, intense stare as he looked toward the kitchen door.

You look so domestic, Dominic thought, his heart doing an involuntary, heavy thud against his ribs. Brushing her hair... cooking meals... you're a perfect father. And you're going to be a perfect partner. Enjoy your little trip to the mall, Detective. Because these handcuffs won't keep me away from you for long.