ana

ld be the last time, holding the box of his things. It felt heavier tha

m features were drawn tight with concern. "Eliana, dear. I'm so

ty smile. "I just came

mask. She pointed me toward his suite, and I walked up the s

bother

cloying scent of Catalina's cheap perfume. She was standing

i family crest embroidered over the heart-a symbol of his

ead across her face. She ran a hand down th

me and his face hardened. "Ellie," he said-the old pet

gant stranger, his eyes cold and impatient. The last ember

rand staircase just outside his door.

kids, letters I'd written-crashed and shattered against th

s house," he ordered, his voice a low, dangerous comm

tly wiped the spill with a cloth, his movements tender. "You'll be cold without a jacket," he murmure

entleness, he no longer

y in my chest. Near the front door, Catalina ca

nches from mine. "I'm going to take eve