Page 88 of A Sinful Gravity

My chest tightened. The high lingered, but clarity crept in.

I could enjoy his softness, his body, his attention.

He was the kids' dad. That didn't change. But it didn't mean diving back into that old life.

I couldn't fall easily again. Couldn't hand myself over, give him power to wreck me anytime.

Like he promised, I could walk whenever.

So I just looked up and smiled at him.

"It's beautiful. Thanks," I said.

He paused, probably not expecting that. But he smiled back quickly.

"It always was yours."

The ring felt heavy. I flexed my fingers, testing the weight.

Maybe I'd keep it on. Call it a gift.

I took a deep breath. Got up, heading for the bathroom. "You should clean up, too and get some rest. I gotta wait for Laila."

Cassian went quiet for a few seconds. Then stood, turned off the main light. In the dim glow, he looked at me softly.

"Goodnight, Luna."

I didn't answer. Turned away. Didn't look back.

Tonight didn't change my mind.

I was still me. He was still him.

We just shared a roof, had nights like this sometimes. That was it.

I repeated that in my head, then closed my eyes.

Told myself: Enjoy it, sure.

But love? Not again.

Not now, at least.

Chapter Nineteen

Luna

Morning sun sliced through the blinds, carving the hardwood into bright, piano-key stripes.

Laila's laughter pulled me from sleep.

That bell-clear giggle drifted through the door, punctuated by Cassian's low, amused murmurs. I lay there on the soft mattress, staring at the ceiling, my mouth curving up without permission.

Laila was laughing again.

This past week, I'd been hearing more and more of it. She really seemed to love it here.

I got up and headed downstairs.