Aria Bella was right—I really did need a spa day after all. As I made my way to work on Monday morning, I felt as if I had turned over a new leaf. With Sarah and her parents—hopefully—out of the way for good, along with a fresh haircut and smooth skin, I felt more refreshed than ever. Like a new
I stared up at him, momentarily speechless. “Wait… you mean… a real position? With benefits and everything?” “Yes,” he replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Officially. No more interning or nannying. A real job with benefits. If you want it, I mean.” The news hit me like a tidal wave, an
Aria Seeing Lucas look so heartbroken made my own heart break. Without thinking, I moved from my chair and knelt down to his height, opening my arms. “Hey, come here, kiddo,” I said softly. He hesitated for a moment before shuffling into my arms, still pouting and sniffling. “You really think I’
Lucas’s face fell, and he looked up at me with disappointed eyes. “When you go home tonight, Daddy’s not going to play with me at all.” I could see Darren’s jaw tighten, his fingers pausing for a brief moment before he continued typing. “Lucas, we’ve talked about this. I work so I can take care of
Aria Lucas’s little hand tugged at my fingers, his eyes wide. “Please, Aria, can’t you stay? Just this once?” I sighed, glancing over at Darren, who looked equally caught off guard by his son’s sudden enthusiasm. A sleepover? Seriously? On a Monday, no less? “Lucas, I have work in the mornin
Lucas noticed, too, and frowned. “Daddy, why aren’t you watching the movie?” “I am watching, buddy,” Darren mumbled, but he only glanced at the TV for a brief moment before looking back down at his phone. I nudged him with my elbow, whispering, “He’s right, you know. Work can wait.” “I’m just
Aria My head was on a plush pillow when I awoke, the first rays of early morning sunlight spilling across my cheek. I yawned, rolling onto my back and stretching languidly. I didn’t recall my own mattress feeling so plush and luxurious. This was divine. But then, slowly, I realized that was beca
Fearing I had struck up a nerve, I managed a small smile and said, “I’ll see you later.” And with that, I slipped out of the room. I felt his eyes on me until I closed the door. By the time I reached the office, I thought I had made it without being noticed. After all, it was still early, and I
He paused, letting his words sink in. “I hope this clears up any misunderstandings. If anyone has further concerns, my door is always open.” With that, the meeting was over. People filed out slowly, some looking reassured, others still casting curious glances in my direction. I stayed seated, unab
Aria My heart stopped the moment I saw the pictures on the screen. It was the image from the masquerade—the dip, the kiss, followed by my mad dash with no mask on. And it became clear to me, in that moment, that everyone in the office had seen it. Everyone. Which only meant one thing. “How b
“So, breakfast?” she asked, her grin a little too eager. “Sure,” I said with a shrug. I was honestly craving some diner coffee and a big stack of waffles. We ended up at the diner down the street a little while later, a cozy little spot with red vinyl booths and the smell of sizzling bacon in th
Aria The picture on the screen felt like a knife to the gut. As if tonight wasn’t already confusing enough, images of our kiss—complete with my face on full display—were circulating the internet. I stood there, stunning into silence, just staring at the phone. “No,” I repeated. “No, this can’t b
Darren I watched Aria dart away, disappearing into the crowd with her gown trailing behind her like a fleeting shadow. My heart pounded in my chest, a tornado of emotions swirling around inside of me. What the hell had I just done? Again? “Dammit,” I muttered under my breath, raking a hand thr
But at the same time, dancing with him felt… right. Just as right as that strange scent I had briefly encountered. And I wasn’t moving to walk away, even though I felt bad for William. “Darren,” I suddenly said, unable to hold it in, “I… I think I picked up your scent just now.” His eyebrows sho
Aria The soft strains of the orchestra filled the grand ballroom as William led me gracefully into a dance, his hand resting on my lower back. We began to chat about various topics, everything from my own questions about the modeling world to pointing out interesting masks around the room. But i
I glared at him. “I’m not planning on starting anything.” “Your wolf says otherwise,” he remarked. “I can practically feel the tension rolling off you.” I tore my gaze away from Aria and the panther shifter, focusing on the ice melting in my glass. Maybe he was right. “It’s none of my business.”
Darren I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, watching as the dim lights of the ballroom reflected off its surface. The masquerade was in full swing—lavish costumes, ornate masks, and the hum of meaningless chatter filled the air. These events were never my scene, but as the CEO of Lunar Labs, I