How was this even possible? Skylar thought, irritated with herself more than anyone else. How could she be in one man's arms, feel the evidence of his need for her poking against her body, and still be so aware of another man's gaze.The awareness was like electricity buzzing low through her veins, and somehow, she'd felt Luca's presence even before she saw him.Sitting at the bar with his body resting lazily against the counter, he looked ruggedly gorgeous. His pitch black hair strewn about his head haphazardly was emphasized by the disco lights bouncing around the room, and the shirt he wore underneath his blazer looked to be in shambles.There was a woman sitting on the stool to his left. Skylar couldn't identify the colour of her hair due to the different coloured lights around, but she was gorgeous and undoubtedly so, and she looked to be trying her best to win Luca's attention.Luca's lips moved every once in a while, indicating that he was responding, but his eyes remained glued

Skylar could've sworn that she'd experienced every emotion when it came to Luca, that he couldn't make her feel any more than she already felt. But this moment was more than proving her.As she watched the pain in his tear-stained eyes and heard it reverberate through his beseeching words, it was as if she was the one feeling it, her heart squeezing so hard and painfully that it stole her breath.He rested his cheek back on her belly, his arms still clinging to her waist. Just like his son did every time he wanted some attention and affection from her or anything time he hurt himself and needed some comfort.And Skylar couldn't take it anymore. Her defences couldn't take it anymore. Her walls could no longer stand the impact of his disarming relentlessness.“Luca..." She whispered as hot tears surged down her cheeks, her voice cracking under the full weight pressing on her chest. “I love you too, Luca. You don't know how torturous it is to not be with you. But you hurt me too much. And

The cold shower helped to ease the effects of the hangover, but Luca could still feel a dull headache he hoped would wear off soon.What now? He wondered after drying himself with a towel. His clothes had probably not arrived yet, but he wouldn't feel comfortable slipping into his dirty ones.Wrapping the towel around his waist, he grabbed his dirty clothes from the rack and folded them in layers before taking them out the bathroom with him. Skylar wasn't in the bedroom, so he assumed she was in the living room.He wondered at the wisdom of stepping out with only a towel around him. If it were only Skylar, he probably wouldn't have minded much, but he didn't want Laura to feel uncomfortable. But he also couldn't spend the rest of the time it would take his clothes to arrive just sniffing around Skylar's room, as tempted as he was to continue doing that.Shrugging, he approached the door and opened it, surprised to find Skylar in front of it, pacing back and forth. Was she pacing there

“I think he's going to be floored when he sees you.” Skylar gushed, scanning her best friend in awe as she twirled stylishly in her wedding gown.It was a stunning dress. A mixture of trumpet and fishtail with glittering embellishments and dazzling embroidery that hugged and emphasized Ella's curves to perfection. Skylar had no doubt that Abhishek was going to fall more in love with her best friend. Which said a lot because the man was already so in love with Ella.After all the angsty anticipation from Ella, her wedding to her fiance was finally coming off in two days. The couple had agreed for the wedding to happen in California where Ella was born, and Ella had left Chicago two weeks ago to take care of the final details for her wedding.Skylar had only been able to shirk work responsibilities enough to join her best friend three days ago. And what a crazy three days it had been; Ella was uncharacteristically anxious and wanted not a thing out of place so it was one detail-checking

Standing some distance away and twiddling with her fingers, Cornelia looked more nervous and mellow than Skylar had ever seen her.“Cornelia.” She whispered, standing up.Nicole instantly shot out of her own seat, her voice filled with antagonism. “What are you doing here? Are you here to insult my sister some more because I swear to God...” “Nicole." Skylar prompted her sister to calm down. Nicole shut her mouth, opened it, then shut it again.“Don't worry, Nicole. That's not why I'm here.” Cornelia assured Nicole softly before turning beseeching eyes towards Skylar. “Can we talk, dear?”Skylar didn't miss the use of the endearment. It meant the woman finally believed in her innocence. She expected a surge of pride and anger to fill her up, but sadness was all she felt as she nodded.“Okay.”“Skylar...” Nicole looked at her incredulously.“It's okay, Nicole.” Skylar silently pleaded with her to let it go.Finally, she relented. “Fine. But I'll just be in the kitchen. Call me if she t