Page 46 of A Sinful Gravity

I knew the old me had been arrogant and cold, had broken Luna's heart. But that was because I thought I didn't love her.

Now I saw clearly how much I loved her. I wouldn't make those stupid mistakes again.

Cassian, you've survived this long. Stay calm now.

I sat in the car for a long time. By the time the sky began to darken, I started the engine and slowly pulled out of the parking lot.

Washington's night hadn't fully fallen. This drive home felt less lonely.

Maybe because I knew Luna was somewhere in this city.

Six years. This time, I wouldn't let go easily. I was absolutely certain—I loved her.

Chapter Eleven

Luna

I settled into Seb's smooth-riding sedan, and the tension finally drained from my body.

Seb handed me a bottle of water without a word. I took it and drank hard, feeling my heartbeat slow.

I held Laila close and stared out the window. The sunlight stabbed at my eyes.

Six years. I thought I'd stopped caring. But the moment I saw Cassian, my fingertips nearly gave me away.

That scene in the restaurant was about to become my nightmare. Cassian stood across from me, his hormone-thick presence cutting through my skin.

Inside, I was drowning. Outside, I stayed cold and distant.

But what broke me wasn't his stare. It was the way Laila responded to him. That instinctive pull.

The kind that comes from blood, completely unguarded. Like a slap across the face, shattering the composure I'd maintained for six years.

Why? I'd severed every connection, scrubbed that man's shadow from my life. But that damn blood in Laila's veins screamed at her to get close the second she saw him.

Helplessness washed over me. I remembered clearly—Cassian lifting Laila, her nestled against his shoulder, trusting and open. She never acted that way with strangers. Laila was five. She didn't understand blood ties, but instinct drew her to him.

That bond terrified me like nothing else. I was afraid Cassian would crash into my world and take Laila away.

I squeezed my daughter tighter, buried my face in her curls. Her hair was soft, smelling of sunshine and candy. I breathed deep, grasping for safety.

"Mommy." Laila looked up at me, her bright eyes reflecting only my face. "Who was that man?"

The question hit me hard. I forced a smile and ruffled her hair. "Just an old friend of Mommy's." I couldn't let her curiosity grow.

Laila fiddled with her doll. "He felt familiar. He looked like he really liked me. But his eyes were weird."

"Baby, he probably just thought you were cute."

Laila tilted her head. "Will he come play with us again?"

"No." I cut her off fast, so fast even Seb glanced over.

"Laila, that man is very busy. He has his own life. And we're not staying here long anyway. We have more shows in other fun places. Don't you love traveling?"

"Yes!" Laila cheered and dropped it.

But I knew. Cassian had left a shadow in her mind. That made me anxious.