CHAPTER 26

KRISTINA'S POV

That is, until my thoughts inevitably wandered to a certain someone. Someone who's eyes reminded me of honey and chocolate and sunshine. Someone who smelled of expensive cologne and musky masculinity. Someone whose skin felt smooth and velvety like silk, even if he was covered with stubble and scars.

He radiated confidence and power like no other guy could achieve. But most importantly, he gave me hope in this dark and lonely world. He showed me that sometimes things will work out in the end. Things will change for the better. And he would be there when I needed him most. Always there, by my side. Like I always believed he would be.

***

My alarm clock blared through the house. With a groan, I tried to block out its annoying noise with an arm draped across my face. When the noise continued, I shot upright, wincing at the pain in my head. I reached for the phone next to me. "Go to hell, Kristina. Let me sleep," I muttered before pressing the power button with my thumb