AMARA'S POV
I can't stop thinking about the kiss.
Gabriel's been in his office for two hours. Acting like nothing happened.
I knock.
Come in.
He's on the phone. Sees me. Ends the call immediately. Hi.
Hi.
Awkward silence.
I hired an investigator. Upgraded security.
Good.
About the car
We should talk. He closes his laptop. That kiss was incredible. But you deserve better than a parking garage.
My heart pounds. What are you saying?
He kneels in front of me. Takes my hands. I meant every word in the interview. I've been falling for you for three years. Fighting it. But I'm done fighting.
It became real for me too.
So where does that leave us?
We're supposed to divorce after a year.
Plans change. His thumbs trace my palms. What if we didn't? What if we tried? Really tried? Not fake. Real.
I search his eyes. We're still being stalked. Still uncertain.
I know. But the chaos is bearable if you're with me.
I kiss him softly. Okay. Let's try.
He pulls me up. Kisses me deeper. We stumble to his desk. Papers scatter.
If we keep going Gabriel breathes.
I know.
Are you sure?
I'm tired of pretending. I'm sure.
He lifts me onto the desk. Steps between my legs.
I've wanted this for three years.
You are the exception.
His phone rings. Again. It's James.
Answer it.
He does. What? ...I'll be right there. He hangs, devastated. Client emergency. I have to go.
Now?
One hour. I promise. Don't move.
He leaves.
Hours pass. Stalker texts: Gabriel left you alone again. You're just another obligation. -A Friend
I delete it. But doubt creeps in.
Midnight. Gabriel finally comes home. Exhausted.
I'm sorry. Client disaster.
It's fine.
It's not. I promised one hour. He sits beside me. The stalker texted again, didn't they?
I show him.
Don't believe them. I left because I had to.
Everyone leaves eventually. My parents. Marcus. Kelly. Richard. Why would you be different?
He cups my face. Because I'm not them. I've wanted you for three years. Now that I have you, I'm not letting go.
I want to believe that.
Then believe it. I'm here. I'm staying.
I kiss him. Pour everything into it.
Stay with me tonight, I whisper. Really stay.
I'm not going anywhere.
This time, no interruptions.
We cross the line. Together.
Later, tangled in sheets.
This complicates everything, Gabriel says.
Good or bad complicated?
The best kind. He kisses my shoulder. When the year is up, I'm asking you to marry me again. For real. No contracts.
I freeze. What?
I love you, Amara. I've been in love with you for three years.
My heart stops. You love me?
Completely.
I love you too.
Gabriel kisses me. Deep. Perfect.
So we're doing this? For real?
For real.
I curl into his chest. Feel his heartbeat.
For the first time, I feel home.
My phone buzzes. Again. Again.
Ten texts from the stalker.
You made a mistake tonight.
Sleeping with him won't save you.
I'm closer than you think.
Look at your window.
I run to the window.
A message on the glass. From outside. Written in red.
I'M WATCHING. ALWAYS.
Gabriel's behind me. Staring.
Victoria, he whispers. My aunt. She's the stalker.