In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 375

"Always," he replied without looking up. "Father has marked several as urgent."

Amelia slipped off her shoes, padding across to the bathroom to freshen up. When she returned, Niko had removed his jacket and was seated in an armchair, reading through a thick document.

A knock at the door announced the arrival of their tea service. Once the attendant had departed, Amelia poured for both of them, bringing Niko's cup to him as he continued reading.

"Thank you," he said distractedly.

She settled into the chair opposite him, trying to understand the shift. "Niko," she ventured after several minutes of silence. "What's bothering you?"

He looked up, seeming genuinely surprised by the question. "Nothing's bothering me. Why do you ask?"

"Because you've barely spoken ten words to me since we boarded the helicopter, and you haven't really looked at me since we arrived." She kept her voice gentle, not accusatory. "Something's changed."

Niko set the document aside, his expression softening slightly. "I'm sorry. It's just the transition back to our responsibilities. There's much to catch up on."

"Is that all?" Amelia pressed, not entirely convinced.

He hesitated, a flicker of something… was it doubt? or concern? that crossed his features before he schooled them back into neutrality. "Of course. What else would it be?"

Amelia considered what might be troubling him. Their honeymoon had been intimate in every sense, physically, emotionally, intellectually. They'd talked for hours about their hopes and fears, they'd made love with increasing passion and creativity. But one thing had remained consistent: at Niko's insistence, they’d always used protection.

"Is it about children?" she asked softly, setting her teacup down. "Are you worried we didn't try to conceive during our honeymoon?"

Niko's expression confirmed her suspicion before he could speak. "It's not something we need to discuss tonight."

"I think it is," Amelia countered gently. "If it's creating this distance between us."

He sighed, rubbing a hand across his face, a rare gesture of unguarded frustration. "I don't want to pressure you, Amelia. I know how young you are, and we have time."

"No," she shook her head, smiling gently. "I've been prepared for motherhood since I agreed to this marriage. It's part of my duty, yes, but it's also something I want. With you."

The tension visibly drained from his shoulders. "I've been a fool."

He pulled her closer, burying his face against her neck. "I should have simply asked you. Yes, let's leave it for another month."

"Yes, you should have," she agreed, running her fingers through his hair. "Just as I should have asked you why you always reached for protection first."

Niko lifted his head, his dark eyes meeting hers with renewed warmth. "From now on, we talk openly, even about difficult subjects."

"I'd like that," Amelia agreed, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips.