MasukI can't do this. That's the only thought that keeps circling endlessly through my mind. It doesn't matter what anyone says to me, I cannot do this. I keep staring at my wild-eyed reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the person looking back because she's so afraid, so unsure of what she's going to do.
I agreed to this date and kinda wanted to go on it as well. I don't see why I shouldn't because Stefano and I always have a good time. I have never had a date like that with someI can't do this. That's the only thought that keeps circling endlessly through my mind. It doesn't matter what anyone says to me, I cannot do this. I keep staring at my wild-eyed reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the person looking back because she's so afraid, so unsure of what she's going to do.I agreed to this date and kinda wanted to go on it as well. I don't see why I shouldn't because Stefano and I always have a good time. I have never had a date like that with someone else. Even the last time I was here, we had the best time. A crazy good time. But it's different now, and I can't shake that off.I can't let go of the feeling that as unlikely as it is, Stefano really wants more from me. He suggested dating in a way I don't think he does as a rule. He has a reputation as a playboy for a reason, but it seems he's stepping out of his usual comfort zone and trying something new - with me. That's thrilling and terrifying all at once. With Leo in Italy,
I can't stop smiling. I know that isn't like me at all, but I really can't. Knowing that after all these years, Aria is finally in the same country as me, staying here for a long time as well. I could kiss the person who gave her a job because they've finally given me a shot.After two years, I haven't been able to shake her and let go of what happened at Liam and Isla's wedding... She said she wasn't up for dating, and I get that. We can't do the long distance thing in different countries, but all that has changed now. She's living here, at least for a while, and we need to make the most of it. All of this was meant to happen. I can't wait to explore what comes next for us."You're looking pretty pleased with yourself," Liam laughs as he joins me at the bar. "What's going on in that crazy mind of yours? You look like you have something planned...""I do, and I want to run through it with you, if you don't mind?"He nods and orders himself a drink, sipping on it before he speaks again
I blink at Robert a couple of times, not quite sure what I'm hearing. Just because this is what I've been working toward and hoping for doesn't make it any less shocking to be here in his office, with him telling me I'm headed off to Italy for a job.I've done it! Somehow, I've done it. That feels really exciting."Do you mean it?" I blink at him a couple of times, trying to process this as best as I can. "This is happening? I'm really going to work on the Italian project?""You've started a brand new phase for the company," Robert laughs. "I'm just as shocked as you are. This is something that will be positive for all of us."The tight knot in my chest loosens. I have been so nervous ever since I had that meeting in Italy. I thought it went well, and now it seems like my suspicions were correct. Everything is coming together in the best way possible. My career is definitely going in a new direction, which is something that didn't seem possible at one point. When I first found out tha
~~Stephano~~I sweep a strand of hair off her face. Her face is so beautiful as it rests on my pillow. It's almost like she belongs right here in my condo. "This weekend has gone way too quickly.""I know," she murmurs back as she snuggles into me. "It has been so rapid. But fun."My heart won't stop pounding as I stare at her. I know I'm hooked all over again. I was addicted to Aria the last time we spent the night together; I couldn't shake her off for a reason. She was the most interesting person I'd ever had sex with. But being back with her has changed that.Now I realize it is because there's something there - for sure. We have a powerful connection, unlike anything I have ever experienced before. That means something, I'm sure of it. If there's a woman who's going to capture my attention and change my behavior, then it's Aria. If no one else has come along yet to even spark my fire, even a little bit, then I'm certain of it. I want to give
~~ARIA~~ Ring, ring... ring, ring... I don't want to get up from the table as yet because I'm having such a nice time... but this is Mom calling. I can't ignore the call because it might be about Leo. Bringing my two worlds together is a little unnerving, I have to admit. "I'm just going to take this," I tell Stefano as I scrape my chair back. "Be right back." "You don't have to go," he chuckles. "I won't listen in." I smile thinly as I back away because there's no way I can have this chat right in front of him. Not when I haven't even mentioned my son. I can't talk about Leo without being honest, and I really don't think Stefano will respond well to my news. Oh hey, you have a young son that I never told you about. Yeah, that won't go down well, especially since it seems to me like Stefano is still the same playboy he was a couple of years ago. He's still a flirt who doesn't give off vibes that he wants to settle down. So a son won't be a blessing. It's kinda sad, but I think
~~STEPHANO~~What the hell is happening to me? It's almost funny because it's so crazy. I can't quite wrap my head around it. I mean, all those months I spent pining after Aria and telling myself not to pine after her. I never thought that I would see her again. I didn't think our paths would ever cross and certainly not like this."Aria?" A smile spreads across my face. "What on earth are you doing here in the middle of my favorite coffee shop? What a surprise!"I try to ignore the way my heart skips a few beats as she smiles right back. Damn, she somehow looks even cuter two years later. My memory hasn't done her justice at all."I've actually just been at a meeting nearby," she laughs. "For work. I'm not stalking you!"I take a seat next to her and order my usual coffee with the waitress, unable to stop looking at her. As our eyes connect, it's almost as if the last couple of years haven't happened. They've simply vanished; this might as well be the day after the wedding."Wow, so
CHAPTER 21: (One week later)The country house smelled of dust, old wood, and possibility. Sunlight streamed through mullioned windows, illuminating motes of dust that danced like tiny, careless spirits. Keira stood in what would one day be the great room, if James’s grand visi
Chapter 19**Isabella**I feel the sunlight before I see it when I wake up the next morning. I smile and stretch out in bed. I don't feel James behind me. I was too tired for a shower last night so he got a wet towel to clean me up. Am I pissed about what they did to me? Not aft
CHAPTER 20: COFFEE AND CONFETTI (Six months after Juliette’s birth) The café smelled of burnt espresso beans and cinnamon. A scent Keira had come to associate with this new phase of her life. The After Isabella phase. Not that Isabella was gone, exactly. Just… transf
Chapter 17**Isabella**Riah is pointing to my stomach, then looking up at me. She points to James."I am going to fucking kill you." She says, then pauses. "When I can get out of this bastard bed. You're going down. First, you fuck my sister like she is some throwaway







