Chapter 7 - Back to the Beginning
Lena went back to her life, but the world had lost its color.
She got a better job at a bakery. She visited her grandmother every day. She slept in her own bed.
But every time she closed her eyes, she saw gray eyes and felt the phantom touch of his hands.
Three weeks passed.
It was raining in Chicago.
Lena was wiping down the tables at the bakery, preparing to lock up for the night. The bell above the door chimed.
“We’re closed,” she called out without looking up.
“I know.”
The rag slipped from her hands.
She turned around.
Adrien Varelli stood in the center of the small, flour-dusted bakery. He was wearing a charcoal suit, looking entirely out of place, terrifying, and devastatingly handsome.
Two black SUVs were parked outside in the rain. His guards stood by the doors, backs turned to the windows.
“What are you doing here?” Lena whispered, her pulse skyrocketing.
“I haven’t slept in twenty-one days,” he stated simply.
He took a step closer.
“I bought the building next door. I bought the supplier for this bakery. I’ve been trying to find a reason to insert myself back into your life without ruining it.”
Lena crossed her arms, trying to shield her pounding heart. “And?”
“And I realized I don’t care about reasons anymore.”
He closed the distance between them.
“You ruined me, Lena. You fixed my head, and you broke my chest. I can’t function. I can’t breathe.”
He reached out, tentatively, almost fearfully, and touched her cheek.
May you like
“The contract is over,” she reminded him, her voice trembling.
“I don’t want a contract.”
