Andre's POV
The house was shrouded in silence when I finally made it through the front door, every muscle in my body screaming from exhaustion. The day had drained me completely, but the moment I stepped inside and found everything quiet, I knew Meryl had already gone to bed. My entire being ached to hold her, to feel her warmth against me once more. The separation had been torture, and every fiber of my soul craved her presence.
Her father was slumped on the sofa, looking like he had been frozen in that position for hours. I offered him a brief nod, more courtesy than anything else, and headed toward the staircase. My feet were already carrying me upward when I hesitated. This moment could be ideal for having that conversation with him, but my heart was already thundering with anticipation of wrapping Meryl in my arms again. God, I had missed her so damn much, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could go without feeling her against me.
