My heart lifts instantly, stupid and hopeful.“Hey,” I start, already turning—And stop.It’s not Dominic.Lucas stands in the doorway instead, holding a small bouquet of pale flowers, the kind you only get after overthinking the choice.“Oh,” I say before I can stop myself.The disappointment lands harder than I meant.He sees it immediately. Guilt flashes across his face. “Sorry,” he says quietly. “I—I should’ve called first.”“No.” I shake my head, pushing myself upright despite my body’s protest. “It’s okay. I just… wasn’t expecting anyone.”That’s a lie.He steps inside anyway, careful, setting the flowers on the table before pulling a chair closer.“How are you feeling?” he asks.I almost say fine. Instead, I sigh. “Bad. Weird. Tired. Like my body’s breaking me for something I didn’t do.”A small, humorless smile tugs at his mouth. “That tracks.”He sits with his hands folded, watching me the way Dominic does, but different. Less instinct. More helpless.“I heard about the bond,”
Last Updated : 2025-10-24 Read more