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Testing the Waters

작가: Toria writes
last update 최신 업데이트: 2025-09-29 10:29:11

Darla's POV

For an instant, the air between us tensed, a dangerous pull that made me wonder what I was doing playing this game.

So I did what I always do when the tension cinched in too tight, I redirected. Slanted it just a little to see what cracks I could find.

I set my glass down on the table and leaned forward, chin in hand, gazing at him through half-lowered lashes. "Come on, Sam. Tell me something. Why aren't you and Xavier in business anymore?"

His smile didn't falter, but for a moment, something danced in his eyes. He swirled the dregs of his wine, delaying.

"Ah," he finally said, with a soft laughter that did not reach his eyes.

"To the jugular, Darla. I should have suspected."

I returned his gaze, unflinching. "I like answers better than games."

"Amusing," he breathed, his voice now laced, "so do I."

He set his glass down with a soft clink, leaning forward, never breaking eye contact. "But some answers. carry prices."

I didn't flinch, even though my heart rate accelerated.
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    Melanie’s POVMandy picked up on the third ring.“Mel?” her voice came through, familiar and steady. “What’s wrong?”That was all it took.I sank deeper into the couch, my fingers tightening around the phone. “Richard knows,” I said quietly.There was a pause. “Knows what?”“Not everything,” I admitted. “But something’s off. He’s angry. Distant. It feels like he’s holding back words that could destroy us if he lets them out.”Mandy exhaled slowly on the other end. “You saw him with Xavier’s family, didn’t you?”“Yes,” I whispered. “And it made things worse. He keeps saying it’s about the past, about secrets, but I can feel it, Mandy. This isn’t just about Xavier.”She was quiet for a moment, then said carefully, “Melanie… is Sam still in your life?”My heart skipped.“Why would you ask that?” I tried to sound casual, but my voice betrayed me.“Because I know you,” she replied gently. “And because secrets don’t stay buried forever.”I closed my eyes. “He hasn’t slipped,” I said quickly

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