The tension of the past few days weighed heavily on both Clara and Benjamin. The constant threats, the looming danger—it was suffocating. For a brief moment, the mansion felt quiet, almost serene, and Benjamin decided they deserved a moment to themselves.
Clara was in the kitchen, attempting to bake something to distract herself from the chaos outside. Flour dusted her cheeks, and she frowned as she tried to figure out the recipe. Benjamin leaned against the doorframe, watching her with an amused smile.
"You're going to burn the kitchen down," he teased, his voice low and teasing.
Clara jumped, startled, and turned to glare at him. "I'm trying to do something normal for once. You could help instead of mocking me."
Benjamin smirked and walked toward her, his movements slow and deliberate. "Help? I think you've got it under control."
She crossed her arms, her irritation melting into a playful pout. "Fine. If you're not going to help, at least stay out of my way."
He stepped closer, invading her space. "Out of your way? I don't think so."
Before she could protest, he reached out and brushed a strand of flour-dusted hair from her face. His touch lingered, his thumb gently tracing her cheek.
"Benjamin…" she whispered, her voice faltering.
He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. "You've been so strong through all of this, Clara. I don't know how I'd do this without you."
Her heart raced as his lips hovered just above hers. The air between them was electric, charged with an intensity that made her knees weak. "I don't want you to do it without me," she murmured.
Benjamin closed the distance, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and fiery. Clara melted into him, her hands gripping his shirt as he pulled her closer. The kiss deepened, and the world outside the kitchen seemed to vanish.
He lifted her effortlessly onto the counter, his hands settling on her waist. "You drive me crazy, you know that?" he muttered against her lips.
Clara smiled, her fingers tangling in his hair. "Good. Someone needs to keep you on your toes."
Benjamin chuckled, the sound low and husky. "You're dangerous, Clara Hamilton. More dangerous than any enemy I've ever faced."
She leaned back slightly, her eyes meeting his. "And yet, you're still here."
His expression softened, and he cupped her face in his hands. "Always. No matter what."
They stayed like that for a moment, their foreheads touching, the weight of their emotions settling between them.
A sudden knock on the door shattered the moment. Marcus's voice called out, urgency in his tone. "Boss, we've got a situation."
Benjamin groaned, his head dropping to Clara's shoulder. "Of course," he muttered.
Clara laughed softly, her hands resting on his chest. "Go. We'll finish this later."
He kissed her one last time before stepping away, his gaze lingering on her. "Count on it."