The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 560

"Why are your hands so cold?" Leilani frowned. Setting the mug down, she grabbed his hand without hesitation, wrapping her warm palms around his. "Why didn't you use warm water?"

Callahan cast his eyes down at her protective gesture, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I forgot."

Leilani glared up at him. "If these precious hands of yours get frostbite, what am I supposed to do? I can't take that kind of responsibility."

Callahan let out a low chuckle. Suddenly, he leaned forward, pressing her gently back into the soft cushions of the couch. "Well, these precious hands only want to touch you right now. What should we do about that?"

The tips of Leilani's ears burned red. She pushed playfully against his chest. "Stop messing around. I haven't fully recovered yet..."

Callahan hovered over her, his eyes darkening with intensity. "I know."

He lowered his head, pressing a feather-light kiss against her lips. "Just a kiss."

Leilani closed her eyes, melting into his tender affection.

The moonlight spilled through the sheer curtains, washing over the two intertwined figures on the sofa.

Resting her head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, Leilani spoke softly. "Callahan."

"Hm?"

"Thank you."

Callahan tightened his arms around her, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. "Go to sleep. I'm right here."

Leilani closed her eyes, a sweet smile curving her lips.

Late that night, Leilani finally returned from Callahan's apartment to her own cozy home.

The moonlight peeked through her window, casting a silver glow across the floor. Leilani was resting against her headboard when her phone screen lit up. It was an incoming call from Payton Larson.

Somewhat surprised, she answered, keeping her voice soft. "Payton?"

"I know. You need to be careful too. Tell Abel to keep a close eye on your surroundings."

"I will," Payton agreed, before abruptly changing the subject. "When you head to Northern Myanor, I'm coming with you."

Even though Leilani had never mentioned her plans to go to Northern Myanor, Payton knew her well enough by now to realize she would definitely make the trip in secret. Since she was bound to go anyway, he might as well tag along. At the very least, he was more familiar with the territory than she was.

Taken aback, Leilani immediately refused. "Absolutely not. Your body can't handle a journey like that."

"I'm not completely useless yet," Payton retorted, his tone ironclad. "I know that place like the back of my hand. If things go sideways, I'm the one who can get you out."

Leilani furrowed her brows. "Payton..."

"Leilani," he cut her off, his voice carrying a rare trace of softness. "Paulina is my family, too. There are some things I need to uncover for myself."

Silence blanketed both ends of the line.