Celeste's Pov I started paying attention to hands, not intentionally at first. But once I knew there were two of them, I needed a way to tell them apart that didn't rely on mood or tone or the way they made coffee.The scar was the obvious tell. Thin line on the left hand between thumb and index finger. I'd seen it twice. Both times in the evening. Both times on a man who moved easier, talked softer, laughed like it didn't cost him something.Eli had the scar. Nico didn't.So when the man who came down to breakfast Thursday morning poured coffee with scarred hands, I knew."Sleep better?" Eli asked."Some." I accepted the cup. Watched him move around the kitchen like he lived there. Which he did. Just not publicly."You've been quiet lately.""I have things on my mind.""Anything I can help with?"I almost laughed. He was asking if he could help with the problem of him existing."Not yet. But I'll let you know."He nodded and sat across from me. Drank his coffee and didn't push for m
Last Updated : 2026-05-02 Read more