MasukI pressed my lips together, forcing a smile and hoping my nerves didn’t come through.“Understood,” I said.Without another word, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. With a tightening chest, I walked towards where Gemma was with a few other girls. They were giggling at something she was
Joanne’s POVToday was technically my first day at the clinic. Yesterday, after I saved that patient, I was shown the ropes before I was sent on my way. Today, they told me I'd be doing some actual work, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.I was finally going to feel useful again, like I di
He lowered himself so his lips were only inches from mine. I knew I should have pulled away, told him to go to hell, and that I won’t be his mistress. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that; his scent was alluring, and the way he looked at me made my heart skip a beat.My emotions were all over the
Joanne’s POVI stepped away from him as if he had burned me, and I started to back into my room. He followed me inside and shut the door.“Who were you talking to?” I wanted to ask him why it mattered. But my lips wouldn’t form the words.“I thought Talia left something behind…” I tell him. “What
“I don’t know,” she finally said. “I think there is more to it.”When I didn’t say anything more, she let out a breath.“He cares for you, Lady Joanne. He sought me out himself and asked me to bring you a meal. Lady Vivien was not in sight. I know it might be hard to believe, but you are worth the l
Joanne’s POVMy chest ached; I ran back to my chambers as fast as I could, my heart feeling as though it was going to explode. I didn’t want Alexander and Vivien to see me cry; thankfully, the tears didn’t come until I was a great distance away.I opened the door and stepped inside, letting a sob es
Joanne’s POVThe travel down the mountain and towards the barracks was long. By the time we returned, the sun had set, and exhaustion hit me all at once. Not the kind that makes your body heavy—the kind that settles into your bones and sits there.The moment we entered the barracks, I slid off the h
Joanne’s POVThe capital appeared over the ridge just as the sun broke through the clouds, lighting up the stone walls like they were made of gold. Normally, the sight made me nervous—too many people, too much noise, too much attention, but after everything we’d been through, it almost felt surreal.
“Ask me what?” I asked, desperation clear in my tone.“My father will be hosting a Gala in a few days, and I would like it if you were to accompany me,” he said in one, his eyes meeting mine. “Please…” he added.I blinked, confused.“You want me to go to the Gala with you? “I asked, my voice coming
“I’m not entirely sure,” I admitted. “It’s a lot…”“How did you know that it was there?” Rem asked, his eyes narrowed, and his lips turned down in a deep frown. “Those bugs aren’t easily detected…”I bit my lower lip, trying to come up with an excuse… any excuse. The truth of the matter was, I wasn’







