LOGINHEIDIWhen one of the men tried to come at me and I shut my eyes waiting for the worse to happen, the first thing I heard was a sharp cry.But it wasn’t mine. One of the men holding me suddenly stumbled backward, clutching his face. Before I could understand what was happening, a figure emerged from the darkness and slammed into the man standing behind me.Jace.For a second, I could only stare at him.He had followed me.The realization barely registered before everything descended into chaos. The men turned on him, cursing as he threw the first punch. He fought like a man who had completely lost his mind, ignoring the blows aimed at him as he forced them away from me.“Jace!” I screamed when one of the men struck him from behind.He staggered but recovered quickly, grabbing the man by his shirt and driving him into the wall.“Run, Heidi!” he shouted.I couldn’t.I stood frozen, watching the man who had spent weeks making me feel unwanted put himself between me and three strangers w
HEIDIThe evening air was cool as Adrian and I walked along the park’s paved pathway. Dinner had been surprisingly pleasant, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d spent an evening laughing without worrying about what was happening in my emotional life.Adrian had a way of making things feel easy. He listened when I spoke, teased me when I got too serious, and never made me feel like I had to pretend to be someone I wasn’t.“So, did I pass the first date test?” he asked, glancing at me.I laughed. “Was there a test?”“Of course. I had to make sure you didn’t regret accepting my invitation.”“Well, you haven’t embarrassed me in public yet, so I’d say you’re doing reasonably well.”“Reasonably well?” He pressed a hand to his chest. “That’s a terrible review. I was hoping for something more enthusiastic.”“Don’t push your luck, Adrian.”He laughed, and I found myself smiling again.We continued walking, occasionally passing couples enjoying the cool evening. When we reached a slightly
HEIDII stood in front of the mirror for long, making sure my dress was well arranged on my waist for the third time. It wasn’t anything dramatic, but it felt different tonight. Like I was trying to prove something, even if I wasn’t sure what.Mum had taken Ethan to the park so I could get ready without little dinosaur shoes clattering up the stairs every five minutes. The house was quiet now but my thoughts stayed in me louder. I applied foundation over the fading marks on my neck, then paused, staring at my reflection. I was finally doing what mum advised me to. Trying out other men after living my life for Jace for so many years. I never expected this proposal from Adrian. But I am sure it wouldn’t hurt to try out this once. At least he’s nice and considerate. Everything Jace wasn’t right nowAs I stepped forward to grab my phone it buszzed almost immediately and I picked it up.Adrian had sent a text that he was outside. I exhaled, slipped on my heels, and grabbed my bag. One
HeidiI didn’t know what I had been thinking when I let Jace have me again last night.But I knew one thing for certain—if this continued, it could jeopardize everything I had worked so hard to protect. My contract with the Stanfords. My son. The carefully controlled life I had built around Ethan.I couldn’t let it continue.So why did my body betray me every time I was with him?I stared aimlessly at the ceiling, trying to distract myself from the warmth beside me. The sheets still carried Jace’s scent, and the room seemed to hold the lingering evidence of everything that had happened between us.My body ached, reminding me of the night I desperately wanted to forget.I hated how badly I wanted to turn around and press myself against his warmth. I hated even more that some reckless part of me was already wondering how long I could stay before the world outside this room demanded that I face reality.Jace’s arm was wrapped firmly around my waist, as though even in sleep, he had no int
Third POV The kiss deepened, slow at first, then hungry. Jace’s hands slid from her face to her waist, pulling her flush against him. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart through her blouse. When she finally broke the kiss, it was only far enough to breathe. Her forehead rested against his.“This is a mistake,” she whispered.“I know,” he said in a rough voice. “And I don’t care.”He kissed her again. This time her hands rose to his chest—not pushing, just resting there, fingers curling into his shirt. The quiet surrender nearly undid him. He walked her backward until her hips met the kitchen counter, then lifted her onto it in one smooth motion. Her legs parted for him without resistance.Clothes came off easily, His mouth found her neck, Jace trailed kisses down her collarbone, the soft sounds she made driving him harder. When he finally pushed inside her, the sensation punched the air from his lungs. She was tight wet. He stayed buried deep for a moment, forehead pressed t
THIRD POVJace’s hands were still shaking when he slid behind the wheel.He didn’t remember deciding where to go. He only knew he couldn’t sit still.He drove without destination, city lights smearing past the windows. His mind kept circling the same ugly loop—Adrian on that table, shirtless, gel still shining on his skin, looking at Heidi and that made Jace’s blood boil. The way the bastard had protected her.Adrian and Heidi are being too close lately and it made Jace worry. What if Adrian intends to pursue her and Heidi accepts? Wouldn’t that ruin his chance of getting back together with her?Jace’s grip tightened on the steering wheel until his knuckles went white.Last night felt like proof that something still lived between them. The way she had come apart under him, the way she had clung to him, the sounds she made when he was buried deep inside her—none of that had felt like nothing.But this morning she had looked at him like a stranger and walked out.And now she was letting







