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“So, it’s not a game to you?” I murmur, feeling my armor crack.

“Alma, with you, I’m all in.”

I’ve heard enough.

I bury my face in the crook of his neck, and he throws his arms around me. Everything I need is right here. In him. His hand slips beneath my chin and gently lifts my face. His fingers trace a line along my neck, making me dizzy.

His lips begin their descent. I’m dying for this kiss. Yet, I step back—and hear myself whisper to him, “Have a good evening, Mr. King.”

24

Alma

“How is Raphaël?”

From the other side of the fitting room, Clémentine tosses me a pair of jeans that are too tight for her, then answers my question.

“He has good days and bad days, but he’s finally out of the hospital. Are you planning to go see him at his place?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m doing us both a favor by staying away.”

“Yeah, I think that’s for the best.” Her head pops out from behind the black curtain. “Um, I was wondering, can you take me to a store where women’s thighs actually touch? Or where they actually have thighs. I’ve never seen clothes so small!”

“Right. We love thighs. Let’s get out of here.”

Most of the time, Clémentine couldn’t care less about her weight, and rightly so. My best friend is gorgeous, and most men would agree with me.

In the next store, I watch her raid the racks.

“I’ve got to make the most of it while there’s still time!”

“What are you talking about, Clem?”

“Nothing, forget it. Can you hand me that cashmere sweater?”

She pulls it on without even waiting to get into a fitting room.

“Oh, and you, my beauty, are coming home with me!”

I laugh, seeing her fall for a colorful dress that Lily would approve of. Then, my attention shifts to my cell phone, which is vibrating in my pocket.

[Vadim

Are you planning to open your door for me tonight?]

I smile, relieved that he’s making the first move after I bolted the other day.

[Alma

That depends. Will you be on your own?]

[Vadim

Yes, alone with my poor,

battered heart.]

[Alma