Page 40 of A Sinful Gravity

"I'll get it." I stood, telling Chloe, "Be right back."

I crossed the courtyard and saw the ball stop at the feet of a tall figure.

He crouched down and picked it up. Light golden curls caught the sunlight, his profile so familiar my heart stopped.

He looked up.

Cassian.

I froze in place, nailed to the ground. Six years. He was thinner, his jawline sharper, faint shadows under his eyes. But those eyes were still so deep, deep enough to pull you in, deep enough to remind me instantly of how he used to hold me with that burning gaze that could set you on fire.

He must not have been sleeping well, but what did that have to do with me?

I steadied my breathing and walked over.

He saw me. First shock, then his pupils contracted violently, like he'd been hit hard.

Laila had already run over, holding out her hand. "Thank you for getting my ball, mister!"

Cassian's gaze moved from me to Laila's face, and he looked like he'd been struck by lightning. He stayed crouched, frozen, just staring at her, emotions churning wildly in his eyes.

"Mister, your hair is like mine! Blonde and curly!"

The words landed like a bomb between the three of us. Light blonde hair. Curling waves. In the sunlight, their hair gleamed with the same luster, like they were cast from the same mold.

Laila smiled innocently, then did something I'd never seen her do—she grabbed his hand and shook it. "You're so tall! Can you pick me up?"

My head exploded. I wanted to rush over and stop her, but my legs felt like lead. My heart hammered like it would burst from my chest.

Laila wasn't usually this friendly with strangers. The father-daughter bond between them was terrifyingly strong.

Cassian clearly hadn't processed it yet. But he was already reaching out slowly, lifting Laila up, his movements gentle like he feared breaking something.

I saw his body go rigid. He held her, turning to look at me.

"Luna..." He stepped closer, his voice shaking, barely coherent. "It's you..."

I finally moved, striding over and taking Laila from his arms. No, practically snatching her.

"Baby, we need to go." I handed her to Chloe.

Cassian took two steps forward, his gaze locked on me like he was trying to pin me down. His Adam's apple bobbed like he was choking on some massive emotion.

"Luna." His voice was low, dragged from his chest. "It really is you..."

I smiled politely. "Long time no see, Mr. King. I have things to do. Excuse me."

I knew every second longer and my composure would shatter completely. I couldn't show vulnerability. I was terrified he'd figure something out. I had to protect my daughter. Laila could only be mine.

"Can we... can we just talk for a minute?" Seeing us leave, Cassian sounded incoherent.

"About what?" I met his eyes, my tone edged with mockery. "Sorry, but I don't think we're close enough for small talk."

"And you shouldn't randomly pick up other people's kids." I made my meaning clear, hoping Cassian would stop looking at Laila.

His face changed. He opened his mouth.

Then a familiar voice came from behind.