STATE YOUR MISSION

JUNIPER’S POV:

“Alex, I... I didn’t expect to see you,” I stutter as she walks into the apartment. Her face doesn’t hold a single smile, and I can tell she is here for business.

“I didn’t plan to see you either,” she says in a cold tone, and I swallow hard. “But I have no choice.”

My body is taut with emotions, and I want her to tell me something about Hiram. I want her to say he misses me, and he hasn’t gone off with someone else.

“Please sit,” Rhea says to her, and she puts up a hand.

“I have not come here to stay, and I will be very brief, as I am only here to deliver a message from Hiram.” My heart skips a beat as she mentions his name. “He says he misses you, and he loves you,” she says, then she turns to leave, but I reach out to her.

“Alex, please, I know I am the last person you want to speak with, but I… I care about Hiram, and I want to know how he is doing,” I say at once, and she yanks her hand away, turning to face me.

Her face contorts.

“Well, if you must know, he is in