SILAS

I woke with Maya tucked against me, one arm draped across my chest and her hair scattered over my shoulder.

For a while, I didn't move.

I brushed a few strands away from her face and looked at her, still half-surprised that I'd finally said the words I'd spent months avoiding.

I loved her.

Saying it out loud had felt easier than I'd expected. Waiting for her answer was going to be the harder part.

A few months ago, I would've assumed she'd stay. I would've been arrogant enough to believe there was no other answer she could give me. Now, after Dominic, Isabella, the contract and everything else...