Chapter 2

I hobbled back to the small villa on Shadow Boulevard, step by painful step.

This was the secret home Grayson and I shared. Only the two of us knew about it.

I pushed open the door and stopped cold.

Grayson sat on the couch with Lora draped across his lap. He was leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.

When he saw me come in, a flicker of awkwardness crossed his face before vanishing just as fast.

He asked, "Why didn't you get in the car?"

My gaze swept to Lora. "Would you have ridden with me?"

Grayson frowned. "Aria, you know I don't want anyone finding out about us. The only reason I look after Lora is because of you."

Two years ago, I'd rescued Lora from a human trafficker.

She said she was an orphan and begged me to take her in.

I pitied her and kept her by my side. Since I traveled often, I asked Grayson to watch over her.

At first, Grayson hadn't been thrilled. He said Lora was too high-maintenance. But at some point, he started mentioning her more and more.

Lora gradually claimed the space beside him.

And tonight, he had brought Lora to our private home.

This was our secret hideaway. We'd made a pact that this place belonged to the two of us alone, and no third person was ever allowed here.

But Grayson had broken his word. Again.

A bone-deep exhaustion crashed over me. I had no fight left. I turned and headed upstairs.

Grayson took a few quick steps and caught my wrist, a flash of concern in his eyes. "Aria, why are you so pale? Are you feeling alright?"

I shook my head.

Before Grayson could say anything else, Lora spoke up. "Aria, don't throw a tantrum. Grayson is the Don. He doesn't have time to coddle you."

Grayson's grip loosened without him realizing. I yanked free and marched upstairs.

I'd barely sat down when Lora appeared.

She stood in the doorway, her voice soft and syrupy. "Aria, you shouldn't be upset. Grayson's been worrying about you the whole time. He even called around, dropping hints to check on you."

A warmth stirred in my chest.

Lora toyed with something in her hands. A silver chain dangled down.

My eyes locked on it, and my voice trembled. "What is that?"

Lora smiled and opened her palm. Nestled inside was the engraved platinum pocket watch.

The color drained from my face. I shot to my feet. "Who gave that to you?"

That watch was an antique.

Two years ago, Grayson had made a show of winning it at auction, declaring he would give it to his girlfriend.

Then he'd given it to me on my birthday.

He got down on one knee and told me, "Aria, my heart is like this watch. It beats for you every second of every day."

I was afraid someone might recognize it, so I never dared wear it out. I could only keep it tucked in a drawer, sneaking it out to look at now and then.

Now it was in Lora's hands.

My expression hardened slightly. Lora flinched.

Grayson rushed in and steadied Lora by the waist. "I gave it to her. She's timid. The gunfight shook her up. Holding the watch calms her down."

I scoffed. "Really. Then why not give her a crucifix?"

Grayson frowned. "Watch your tone."

Tears welled in Lora's eyes. "Aria, I didn't mean anything by it. I just wanted to borrow it for a couple of days. If you don't like it, I'll give it back."

Grayson pressed his hand over hers. "You don't have to."

I said the same thing. "No. You don't."

Something inside me snapped, and the suffocating weight gave way to lightness.

Forget it. I didn't want any of it anymore.

Grayson studied me. "You're not upset?"

I shot back, "Why would I be?"

Grayson's face darkened. "Aria, you're always like this. Hot-tempered and oversensitive. Look at Lora. She's never like you."

I smiled. "Then I wish you two a lifetime of happiness."

Grayson's temper flared. "You're my girlfriend!"

I smiled. "Not anymore."