ANMELDENARIELLA I held his gaze. “I can’t survive without you,” I said again. “You won’t have to,” he replied quietly. “I’m going to be okay. I’ll come back. I have to. You and Leon are waiting for me. I won’t break that promise.” He lifted my chin gently so I had no choice but to look at him. “I just
ARIELLA I woke up to feel light kisses on my face. I opened my eyes to find Asher hovering over me, pressing soft kisses against my skin. I let out a small laugh as he brushed his lips against mine before straightening. He was already dressed. Tie in place. Hair perfectly styled. Everything about
ARIELLA When Asher is finally, fully seated inside me, the bed groans beneath our combined weight. He pulls back out just as slowly, and the friction is enough to make my head swim. He’s doing this on purpose; I can see the intent in his eyes. He’s paying me back for every stolen glance and silen
ARIELLA That did it. Asher's expression shifted, something deeper, more certain. And this time when he kissed me, I didn’t hesitate. Didn’t hold back. Didn’t think about later or tomorrow. Or anything waiting for us outside that room. I let myself go into Asher's arms. I shiver beneath his touch,
ARIELLA The moment the flash went off, both of them stirred. Leon shifted first, letting out a small, confused sound as he buried his face deeper into the pillow. But Asher.... Asher woke instantly. His hand tightened instinctively around the book on his chest, the other bracing slightly at his si
ARIELLA I couldn't believe him right now. “None of the above,” I replied quickly, turning away from his smug face and back to Leon. “Okay, listen. Dad is coming upstairs to read you a book.” “Yay!” Leon said instantly, already turning around and running out of the room. The moment he left, I le
ARIELLA Asher laughed. At first, I thought I was hearing things. But no, he was actually laughing. Loud, unbothered, almost manic laughter that echoed around the room like a warning shot. It didn’t make sense. None of this made sense. I glanced at Alex. He wasn’t laughing. He was glaring. His j
I felt gaslighted. Manipulated. Blindsided. “What do you mean? What are you saying, Luca?” “I’m saying you’re leaving today,” he repeated calmly. “Leon and Maria will follow tomorrow.” “What?” I blinked. “Why? I’m not leaving without my son. Are you kidding me?” My voice was rising. “There’s no w
I sighed. “Okay, fine. I guess we’re going to the Muppets show.” “Yay!” Leon shouted, running into the house. “Maria! Maria! We’re going to the Muppets with Rosie!” I turned back toward Alan, who was still standing there looking smug. “Well... thanks for the tickets,” I said, “and for the invite.
Luca drives. And drives. And drives. At some point, I must have dozed off. When I blink back to consciousness, we’re parked in front of a building, not nearly as grand as the one I’d just left behind when Asher found me. It’s not terrible, but it’s older, and worn down. The kind of place where no o






