Chapter 4

I can't concentrate on my downward dog because I keep scanning the yoga studio for familiar dark eyes.

"Let go of tension," instructs Serena, our instructor, her voice floating over the soft music. "Release what no longer serves you."

If only it were that simple.

Derek's messages from this morning have left me paranoid and aching. Every person looks like him, every stranger's glance feels loaded with meaning.

He's in New York. He's been watching me. And God help me, part of me wants to see him again.

"Sophia, breathe," Serena says gently, and I realize I've been holding my breath.

I force air into my lungs, but it feels thin and inadequate. My hands are sweating against the yoga mat, and my mind won't stop racing.

Your body remembers mine.

The words echo in my head as I move through the poses. Heat pools low in my belly….a response I haven't felt in years of Alexander's touches.

"Transition into warrior pose," Serena calls out.

I shift positions, catching my reflection in the mirrored wall. Even to myself, I look flushed and unsettled.

There's a new guy in the back corner I've never seen before. Dark hair, athletic build, wearing a plain gray t-shirt instead of the usual designer workout gear most members prefer.

Our eyes meet in the reflection, and he doesn't look away.

My breath catches.

He's attractive in a rough-around-the-edges way, but it's not him, I can’t know if it’s Derek it’s been long I don’t know how he looks.

This man is younger, softer somehow. Not the dangerous intensity I remember from Derek's gaze.

Still, I can't shake the feeling of being watched.

After class, I pack my mat with shaking hands. Most people linger to chat, but I need air, space, somewhere Derek's presence can't follow me.

"Sophia?" An unfamiliar voice makes me freeze.

I turn to find the guy from the back corner standing behind me. Up close, he's definitely not Derek…too young, too uncertain.

"I'm sorry, do we know each other?"

"Not exactly. I'm Jake." He extends a hand, and after a moment's hesitation, I shake it.

His grip is warm . "I couldn't help but notice you seemed upset during class. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." The automatic response comes out sharper than intended.

"I don't mean to pry, but you looked like you might faint during warrior pose. Low blood sugar maybe?"

He seems sincere, which makes me feel even more paranoid. After Derek's messages, I can't trust my judgment about anyone's intentions.

"Thanks, but I really need to go."

Outside, the afternoon air feels too thin. I lean against the building's brick wall, trying to catch my breath.

My phone buzzes.

Unknown number: Jealous already? Don't worry, baby. That boy couldn't handle you the way I can.

My stomach drops as I realize Derek was watching me talk to Jake. He's here, somewhere close, seeing everything.

Where are you?

Closer than you think. Did you like my little gift this morning?

What gift?

Check your apartment.