SERENA’S POVI let out a deep breath as I stepped through the courthouse doors. It had been a difficult trial but we had won. Justice was served. Flashes from cameras went off all around me as reporters shouted questions. "Serena Santos, over here! What does this victory mean for your career?" "How does it feel to take down Big Tobacco?" I smiled politely but kept walking. "No comment for now, thank you." The last thing I needed was another headline plastering my face. I just wanted to go home and celebrate with Mom and Katy. My eyes scanned the parking lot, searching for my car. That's when I noticed the black sedan idling at the far end. It was nondescript but something about it gave me pause. Hadn't I seen it tailing me earlier that day? I tried to shrug it off as a coincidence but my unease only grew. Since the case started I had been having the feeling of being watched.Finally spotting my Toyota, I hurried over and clicked the locks. As I started the engine, I glanced in the

SERENA’S POV"Calm down, Serena. It was just a nightmare," he said, his voice soothing.I went silent, feeling my hands tremble as I placed them over my racing heart. "I'm sorry," I managed to say, my voice quivering. "I must have been triggered because of what happened earlier tonight."Kaden's gaze softened, and he sat down on the edge of the bed. "It's okay, Serena. Nightmares can be overwhelming, especially after a traumatic experience. You don't have to apologize."I nodded, feeling a mix of both relief and a little bit of embarrassment. "I just hope I didn't wake up the whole mansion."Kaden shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nah, just me. And actually, I wasn't really sleeping anyway. It’s a good thing I just went to grab a bottle of juice from the kitchen and was on my way back before I heard you. If I was already in my room,I definitely wouldn’t.”“And why is that?”“Ya know? Soundproof?”“Oh…” I trailed off. “Well thank God our parents room are on the other

SERENA’S POVI mustered up the courage to ask Kaden to teach me self-defense. After all, he had an intimidating presence that made men cower, and I couldn't help but wonder if he possessed some hidden fighting skills. As we sat together on the couch, I took a deep breath and posed my request."Kaden, I was wondering if you could teach me self-defense," I requested simply.He snorted with laughter, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You think I can fight? You've got to be kidding me."I frowned,"Well, those men who crossed you that day seemed pretty scared. You must be a great fighter."He sighed, his gaze shifting away momentarily. "Yeah, I guess I'm a decent fighter. But teaching someone is a whole different ballgame. I don't think I can teach you anything."I pleaded with him, my eyes filled with an earnest desire to learn. "Please, Kaden. I just want to be able to defend myself if the need arises. I don't want to feel helpless like I felt the other day. It sucked."He studied me f

SERENA’S POVI was sitting in my room going over some files on my laptop when the door suddenly flung open.I gave an eye roll knowing who exactly it was.“You can come in Cameron,” I said sarcastically turning to face him with a sigh.He entered with a gleaming white box tucked under his arm. “I have a surprise for you,” he said with a charming smile. He set the box gently in my hands.Oh Cameron was a real charmer wasn’t he? He always had his way with gifts. “What is it?” I asked, feeling the soft material within. “Why don’t you open it and see?” He asked calmly digging his hands into his trouser pockets.Slowly, I lifted the lid, gasping as I revealed the treasure inside. Nestled in tissue paper was the most exquisite gown I had ever seen!It was a midnight blue chiffon dress practically glittering right back at me.“It’s gorgeous,” I breathed in disbelief. “Do you like it? I had it custom made for you,” Cameron said proudly. I ran my hands over the smooth fabric in awe. This

SERENA’S POVAnother successful case had been concluded and I was back into New York. With each victory, my dreams of becoming the chief criminal defense lawyer of the entire state seemed closer to reality.I strode purposefully into the towering skyscraper that housed my law firm.Grabbing my mail from the pigeon holes, I made my way to the elevator. As the numbers lit up towards my floor, I began thumbing through case files, mentally preparing for the day. The bell dinged and I stepped out, striding through the maze of desks towards my workspace. That’s when I spotted my boss,Alex, waving me over, an uncharacteristic grin on his face. “Serena, perfect timing. I have someone I want you to meet.” Alex gestured to the striking woman beside him, and I took her in with professional curiosity. Her almond-shaped brown eyes looked at me sharply while a small sly smile tugged at the corner of her lips.Her high cheekbones, perfect chocolate skin,dyed mint green hair pulled back into a slee