ANMELDENOrana’s point of viewThe moment his lips met mine, a soft gasp escaped me, and he used it to deepen the kiss. His hands were warm against my cheeks, his thumbs tracing my jawline with a fierce intensity that made my knees go weak.I reached out blindly, my fingers bunching into the fabric of his coat, pulling him into me.He tasted like mint, like the chocolate dessert we had shared, but also, he tasted like him. Like sin, sweet, beautiful sin, and everything I had spent weeks trying to convince myself I could live without.When he finally pulled back, he didn’t go far. He rested his forehead against mine, his chest heaving as he drew in sharp breaths. His eyes were dark, filled with such an intensity that made my throat tight.“You’re going to be the death of me, Orana,” he whispered, his voice rough and laced with a breathless laugh.“You ate the street food,” I managed to say, my voice trembling as I tried to compose myself. “I’m a woman of my word.”The corners of his mouth ticke
Orana’s Point of View“Do you think I should go for sneakers or heels?” I asked Sienna, showing her the shoes. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t think straight. Vaughn had said comfortable clothes, so I went with jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt, second-guessing the choice now, looking at how casual I looked.“I honestly feel that even if you wore a lounge suit, he wouldn’t really mind.”“Sienna”“You look beautiful, okay? I love what this is, okay? It’s casual and chic,” she says, but I don’t feel that beautiful. Maybe I shouldn’t have said yes to the date.When I texted him, it was maybe a heat-of-the-moment thing, and I acted without thinking.The doorbell rang, and I froze, looking at her with my eyes wide.“Relax. I’m sure this will be fine,” she assured me, her hands on my shoulders, before smiling at me.“Okay. Fine. I hope I’m fine,” I said before making my way out and going to kiss Liorah, who was drawing in her room.“See you,” I said, then made my way out of the house.Whe
Orana’s point of viewTo say my heart skipped would be putting it mildly. Vaughn had a way of making it difficult to remember why I was supposed to be angry with him.I didn’t move after the elevator doors closed in front of me.This morning I had woken up to fresh flowers waiting outside my door. I had thrown the first two bouquets, and within the hour he had texted me asking if I hadn’t liked them. I had typed back a single word.‘Yes’I couldn’t help the small smile that surfaced now, thinking about the absurdity of it, that he would actually go out and find something I really liked.I loved the flowers; that’s why I kept them in my room. I smiled to myself when I got dressed.I spent the rest of the day in meetings and catching up on some things. When it was time to leave, there was a knock on my door, and when I lifted my eyes, there he was.“What are you—” I started, but paused.“Thought I could pick you up.” He said, walking into my office, hands in his pockets. My eyes raked o
Vaughn’s point of viewWe stayed on that hill long enough before I finally drove her home. She was quiet most of the way back, but it wasn’t like before when she ignored me or acted like I didn’t exist. Something had shifted, even if she hadn’t said the words. She hadn’t pulled away when I took her hand at the last red light, and that was enough. She fell asleep before we reached her building, and once I pulled over, I looked at her; she was sleeping with her head leaning against the window.I rounded the hood of the car and went to the passenger door. I unbuckled her belt, and then I carried her to the door, her weight nothing against my chest.Sienna opened the door for me, and I made my way inside her room and laid her down carefully, pulling the blanket over her before I let myself leave.I sat there, brushing hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. I leaned in and kissed her forehead before forcing myself out of her room because I might stay the whole night.Sienna
Orana’s point of viewVaughn stood through the entire service with his arm around his mother, holding her up as her knees threatened to give in.Bethany trailed a few steps behind them throughout, and I was there standing aside while she played the role of a perfect woman.He gave the eulogy, his voice breaking, and made some jokes about his father.Afterward, James guided Penelope toward the waiting car. Bethany offered to stay with Vaughn while I stood by and watched.“I’m fine,” he told her, his eyes looking past him. “Just need a minute.”“I don’t mind staying—”“You’ve done enough,” he said, patting her shoulder. “Thank you.”He walked to his car alone and got in but didn’t start the engine. I watched him sit there for a long moment, and then, instead of heading to my car, I crossed the gravel and let myself into the passenger seat after giving my keys to Sienna.“Beth, for fuck’s sake, I said—” He stopped when he turned and saw me, surprise moving across his face.“Orana.” My na
Orana’s point of viewWe walked into the room, and she was still asking for him.My heart was beating hard against my chest, and tears threatened to fall. She had her arm and her head bandaged.“Oh, Orana, sweetie,” she cried, extending her hand to me. I took a few steps towards her, letting Vaughn let go of my hand.I swallowed past the lump in my throat and took her hand.“Penelope.” My voice came out weak, but I cleared my throat. “I’m so sorry. They tried everything they could.”She went very still, her eyes roaming around my face as she looked at me. I squeezed her hand, hoping it would be enough.“They didn’t get to him in time,” I said gently, fighting back my tears as hers rolled down her cheeks. “From what I was told, he wasn’t in pain.”The sound that came out of her wasn’t a scream and wasn’t a sob; something caught between the two, and she shook her head over and over.“No! He can’t be dead.” She shook her head again.“I’m so sorry, Penny.” I apologized again, my voice bre
Orana’s point of viewThe office smelled like vanilla and coffee, and a slight scent of citrus. Someone had cleaned it recently, from the lack of dust on my desk.I sat behind the desk and powered on the computer, taking a deep breath. The screen reflected my tired face, and I smiled weakly, thinki
Orana’s Point of ViewThe sound of the hairdryer filled the bathroom while I stared at my reflection, trying to dry my hair.I looked as if I hadn’t slept in weeks. Which wasn’t true because I spent most of my time in bed until last Friday, when Sienna allowed me to walk around.The shadows under m
Orana’s Point of View“Did you find something?” I asked Sienna, who was plopped on the edge of the bed, a line on her forehead as she shook her head, her eyes locked on the screen.“I don’t understand,” she said, tapping her lips with her index finger, which she usually does when she’s in deep thou
Orana’s Point of ViewI woke to the sharp scent of antiseptic and the steady beep of a monitor near my bed. For one slow second, I forgot where I was. All I remember was Vaughn with Carla, then the wetness between my legs.Panic crashed into me so hard my chest hurt as my hand reached for my belly.







