Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina)

Theo sat on Kylan's shoulders, his tiny hands gripping his head while Clarence bounded between him and Katrina as she chatted away excitedly. With each step Kylan took, Theo bounced lightly, his giggles blending with the crunch of leaves beneath their feet. Kylan listened intently to Clarence, responding as though every word from his daughter was the most fascinating thing in the world.

"Umm, Daddy?" Clarence leaned her head forward to look at Kylan, her voice curious.

Kylan gave Theo legs a gentle squeeze to steady him as he momentarily lifted his small hand up to catch the leaf. "Yeah?"

"Will the bear be out? 'Cause, umm, Mommy told me that bears go sleepy when it's cold."

Kylan glanced at Katrina, who smiled warmly at him, her arms crossed as she walked beside them. "Mommy's right; they do. But don't worry, buddy, I'm sure they'll be out." "Really?"

"Yeah, kiddo. It's only late September. The bears haven't gone trick-or-treating for Halloween yet, have they?"

Clarence giggled, the sound bubbling like a tiny bell. "No! I bet they get so much candy."

Kylan chuckled, patting her head affectionately before going back to holding Theo's leg. "What do you want to be this year?"

Clarence thought for a moment, humming dramatically. "Auntie Nissa!"

Katrina laughed, her voice light and musical. "I can make her a cop outfit, no problem. Sound good, sweetheart?"

Clarence nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. "Yeah! Daddy can be a superhero, and, umm, Mommy can be one too. Or, umm, a queen! 'Cause Mommy is pretty and strong."

Katrina pinched her cheek gently, making Clarence giggle again. "She's going to be a heartbreaker, isn't she?"

Kylan nodded, pretending to look concerned. "Sounds like it. Better get ready now." He leaned over and kissed Katrina softly, his free hand brushing hers.

"Eww!" Clarence covered his eyes with her hands, letting out an exaggerated groan. "No, Daddy, don't do that to Mommy!"

"Why not?"

"Cause," Clarence pouted, turning her face away dramatically.

Kylan chuckled, lifting Theo from his shoulders and settling him on his hip so he could bend down to look at Clarence. He poked her cheek playfully. "Cause what?"

Clarence blushed, then buried her face in Kylan's neck. Katrina laughed, stepping closer to ruffle Clarence's soft hair. "I think someone's jealous."

Kylan nodded with a grin. "Could be. But Clarence?" She pulled back slightly, her eyes flickering between her parents. "Mommy and Daddy kiss because we love each other, okay?"

Clarence hesitated, her lips pursing in thought, before nodding solemnly. "Okay." She didn't look thrilled, but it seemed to satisfy her for now.

Katrina reached out, scooping her from Kylan's arms and giving her a quick squeeze. "Come on, honey, we're almost at the bears."

That perked Clarence up immediately. She wriggled with excitement until Katrina set her down, her tiny feet tapping eagerly against the ground. Katrina held one of her hands, and Kylan held the other while he carried Theo. Together, they walked toward the bear enclosure, stopping in front of a low glass panel where Clarence could peek through without straining.

They waited patiently, the sound of distant animal calls and the chatter of other families filling the air.

"Do you see them yet?" Clarence asked, her voice hushed with anticipation.

"Not yet," Kylan said, crouching beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "But keep looking. They're out there somewhere."

Katrina handed Clarence her stuffed bear, Mr. Snuggles, but Clarence was so focused on the enclosure that she barely noticed. Katrina gently moved Clarence's arms around the plush toy, earning a small, absent hug in return.

"There they are!" Kylan pointed as two bears emerged from the treeline, their massive forms lumbering toward the viewing area. "Do you see the big one?"

Clarence nodded vigorously, her eyes wide as saucers. As the bear wandered closer, she pressed herself into Kylan's arm, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her expression.

The bear let out a wide yawn, its sharp teeth on full display. Clarence jumped, letting out a small squeak as she clung tightly to Kylan. "Daddy!"Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"It's okay, kiddo," Kylan reassured her, rubbing her back soothingly. He glanced at Katrina, who offered a reassuring nod. "He's just tired. Right, hun?"

Katrina opened her arms, and Clarence eagerly darted into them. "Daddy's right," Katrina said, brushing a curl from her daughter's face. "The bear was only yawning because he's sleepy."

Clarence peeked over her shoulder at the bear, which was now sitting and watching them curiously. "Bedtime, Mr. Bear," she whispered, her voice trembling but loud enough for her parents to hear.

Katrina grinned. "That's right. Tell him it's bedtime."

Clarence tilted her head up at her parents, her confidence returning. Kylan leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Let's help him out. Ready?"

Together, the three of them shouted, "Bedtime, Mr. Bear!"

The bear blinked lazily, shuffled to a corner of the enclosure, and curled up as if obeying their command.

Clarence clapped her hands excitedly. "We did it!"

"You sure did," Kylan said with a grin, scooping her up again. Katrina laughed, reaching up to tickle Clarence's side, earning another burst of giggles.

"Can we see the penguins next?" Clarence asked eagerly.

"Absolutely," Katrina said, squeezing her daughter's hand as they walked on together, the crisp autumn air filling their lungs and the zoo filled with possibilities.

-0-0-0-

Katrina folded the last of the clothes and placed them neatly in the drawer. Just as she closed it, the sound of quick footsteps and laughter caught her attention. She turned toward the bedroom door just in time to see their two year old Theo sprint past, completely naked, his giggles echoing through the house. A second later, Kylan appeared in pursuit, wearing nothing but a towel, his hair still damp from his interrupted shower. Laughter bubbled up from Katrina as she leaned against the doorway, watching the familiar chaos unfold. This was a nightly ritual in their home, and it never failed to entertain her.

Kylan finally caught up to Theo and scooped him up effortlessly. "Gotcha!"

Theo squealed with laughter, squirming in his grasp. "Nooo! Daddy!"

"What's going on in here?" Katrina called out, crossing her arms with an amused smile.

Clarence walked past Katrina with a towel wrapped around her tiny body like Katrina does. She grinned as she saw Theo's cheeks flushed from the excitement. "Theo and Daddy were playing while I bathe myself!"

"That so?" Katrina tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at Kylan.

Kylan sighed dramatically, though the twinkle in his eye gave him away. "Almost every time it's bath night. He'd rather do anything but get in the tub."

"Well," Katrina said, her eyes flicking to Kylan's towel-clad figure, "if you two hurry up and get cleaned up, I'll have Maria prepare hot chocolate and a movie waiting for you."

Kylan stepped closer, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Thanks, sweetheart."

Clarence raised her arms in celebration, cheering, "Thank you, Mommy!"

Katrina watched the two of the boys disappear down the hallway, her smile lingering. She loved moments like these, the warmth of family life and the simple joy of seeing Kylan, Theo and Clarence together.

After having Maria help put Clarence on her clothes, she went to prepare the promised treats and setting up their favorite blankets on the sofa. She sank into the cushions, relishing the brief silence as she waited for her family to return.

The scent of soap reached her first, followed by a soft kiss on her forehead. Katrina opened her eyes to see Kylan standing over her, freshly showered and holding a mug of hot chocolate. His damp hair framed his face, and his lips curved into a gentle smile. "All done?" she asked, sitting up slightly.

He nodded, settling beside her on the sofa with his own mug. "Where's Maria?"

"She called it a night and went to her room."

A second later, Clarence and Theo climbed up next to her, wrapped snugly in their favorite pajamas. Katrina handed her daughter a safety cup filled with warm chocolate while Theo got his own in a bottle.

"Thank you, Mommy," Clarence said, her voice sweet and sleepy.

Kylan slipped an arm around Katrina's shoulders. "Theo behaved himself in the end. Though he had plenty to say during the bath."

Katrina ruffled Theo's damp curls as the little boy leaned into her side. "He always has plenty to say. Like his sister."

Kylan chuckled, pulling Katrina closer. "Definitely gets that from you."

"I'd say so," Katrina agreed, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat quietly, watching the movie until Clarence and Theo's soft snores signaled they had drifted off.

Kylan gently picked Clarence up, and Katrina followed with Theo in her arms as they carried their children to bed. After tucking Clarence in with Mr. Snuggles at her side and Theo on his large crib with his long pillow, they returned to the living room. Katrina settled on the sofa, angling herself toward Kylan as he sat beside her. He leaned back, studying her with a curious expression. "What's on your mind?"

She hesitated, looking down at her hands. "I saw the board in the conference room today."

Kylan's posture stiffened slightly, but he stayed quiet, letting her continue.

"All those pictures... Is that why you've been so busy lately?" Her voice wavered. "It just... it must be hard to see all of that. How could someone be so violent?"

Kylan reached out, cupping her face and kissing her forehead gently. "It's okay. Breathe, sweetheart."

She took a deep breath, meeting his steady gaze. "Better?"

"Yeah," she whispered, her cheeks warming. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Don't be." He pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Remember the man who killed my mother?"

Katrina hummed and nodded against Kylan's chest.

"Ryan finally tracked him down and found out he was closely related to those crimes. We suspected he came back and targeted New York, so we coordinated with the police department to ensure he will be caught this time."

Her eyes widened as she looked up at him. "He's been a problem for this long?"

Kylan nodded grimly. "I think it might even be someone else, someone carrying on his obsession. Either way, I'm working to make sure he doesn't come near you or Clarence and Theo."

He turned to her, his expression softening. "Promise me you'll stay safe when I'm not around. No unnecessary risks, no strangers."

"I promise," Katrina said, her voice firm. She reached up to tug lightly at his collar, her lips brushing against his in a lingering kiss. "I believe in you, Kylan. You'll catch him."

His arms tightened around her as he pulled her closer, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. "I missed you," he murmured, his voice low and filled with emotion.

Katrina smiled against his skin, her hands sliding over his shoulders. "I missed you too."

The tension of the day melted away as they lost themselves in each other's warmth, finding solace in the love they shared.

~0~0~0~

Kylan pulled a cute nightdress from the closet in their room and held it up. "How about this one?"

Katrina smiled and reached out to gently cup the back of his head, pulling him down for a soft kiss. "It's perfect."

He hummed in satisfaction, his lips curling into a content smile. "I'll be back in a bit."

After he left, Katrina changed into the nightdress and climbed into bed, waiting for his return. A few minutes later, the sound of footsteps brought her attention to the doorway. Kylan walked in, turned off the bathroom light, and dimmed the bedroom, leaving only the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

He made his way to the dresser, pulling on a pair of pajama bottoms before yawning and stretching. Katrina's gaze lingered appreciatively on his form, the soft lighting accentuating the definition of his muscles.

Kylan climbed into bed, letting out a long sigh as he relaxed beside her. Katrina cuddled against him, resting her head on his chest as his arm wrapped securely around her. She tilted her head to look up at him. "Did you enjoy today?"

He reached up, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Of course."

Her smile deepened. "I'm glad. Those two missed you a lot, you know."

He chuckled lightly. "I thought Theo was a mommy's boy?"

Katrina laughed, playfully patting his chest. "Oh, he is. But only because he sees how you treat me. In his two year old mind, he understands what you do, Kylan... that your job is to help people like Vanessa to protect us. Clarence saw danger first-hand, and she knew she wanted to protect me, like you do."

Kylan's hand moved to play gently with her hair. You and our children are my whole world." His voice softenedza vulnerable edge creeping into his tone. "Theo... I never had a father growing up. I didn't really know what I was doing... what's right onwrong. I'm still trying so hard to figure it out as he grew up."

Katrina reached up to stroke his cheek, her expression tender. "I know, love. But you're not alone in this. Your friends are always there for you, and so am I... your wife. And don't you remember? I didn't have a you mother growing up, too. Half the time, I don't know what I'm doing with Clarence." She laughed softly. "But she's happy, Kylan. She laughs, she plays, and she tells me she loves me. Theo does that with you, too. That's what matters."

Kylan smiled and shifted them both to their sides, pulling her even closer. "We'll figure it out together. Both children love us, and we're happy. That's enough." Katrina nodded, leaning in to kiss the tip of his nose. "You're right. Now, you should get some proper sleep. You haven't had a good night's rest in ages." Kylan let out a hum of agreement, his breathing soon slowing as he drifted off. Katrina closed her eyes, her body relaxing in the warmth of his embrace.