MasukSince I can’t drink alcohol, I decided we can do some mocktails. I tried a few recipes from You-Tube and they turned out great, so I want to make some for Lilly.I grab a cart and make my way inside, already mentally listing what I need.I’m just about to get in when I glance toward the café adjacen
My phone buzzes as I step out of the car. I put it against my ear, balancing it between my shoulder and cheek and answer it while I grab my bag.“Please don’t tell me you’re late,” Adrian says, his voice warm and amused.We’d talked yesterday, and I’d told him I’d be getting my cast off today. He sa
NOAH.The house is quiet after Adrian and Gunner leave.Their laughter still echoes faintly in the walls, like an afterimage, but it fades quickly, leaving something heavy in its place.I stand there for a moment longer than necessary, glass still in my hand, staring at nothing as Adrian’s voice loo
“Don’t fucking finish that sentence,” Noah warns.“—but it’s about her,” Gunner finishes unapologetically. “And that’s a fact.”“Facts my ass.”“Look,” I say calmly. “You might not want to with your feelings, but until you do, you’ll just keep spiraling.”Noah glares at us, then exhales slowly. “All
“Are you sure you’re five?” Gunner teases.She laughs, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Of course I am.”She’s about to continue when footsteps interrupt her.“It’s time for bed, Nova.”Noah steps into the room, Nolan at his side, wearing the same serious expression he always does.“Can’t we stay a l
AdrianBoys’ night is a lie.It’s never about the games, never about the drinks, and definitely never about “just catching up.” It’s about sitting in a room with other men who know too much about you and waiting to see who cracks first.Tonight, it’s at Noah’s place.“Uncle Adrian!”Nova’s small bod
“Nothing,” I say finally. “I’ve been shopping there for years and nothing stood out.”The two officers exchange another glance.“What’s that look for?” Noah asks, his tone edged with suspicion.Mark turns his gaze to me. “You said you’ve been going there for years, right?”“Yes.”“Then it’s highly l
The sound of the flatline drills into my skull like a blade. I can’t move. I can’t breathe. All I can do is stare as the doctors keep pressing those damn paddles to her chest, shouting numbers, shouting for life.“Come on, Sierra,” I whisper. “Come on.”This can’t be happening.This can’t be happeni
“She’s a problem,” I mutter under my breath. “She shouldn’t even exist in my equation.”“Then let her breathe for now,” the second woman replies, walking toward me. Her voice is like ice sliding beneath the skin. “You’ll get another chance. But not if you draw attention. We’ve already failed twice.
The air shifts the moment the officers step inside.“I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Officer Mark says, his tone casual but the look in his eyes says otherwise.Noah straightens in his seat, his entire demeanor changing. Shoulders squared and jaw set. The easy smirk from moments ago vanishe







