Azalea

The sound of the front door opening made my heart skip with relief. I had been sitting on the living room sofa for the past hour, pretending to read a book but really just watching the clock and listening for any sign of Adriano’s return.

“You’re back!” I said, practically jumping up from my seat the moment I saw him walk through the door.

Without thinking, I rushed over and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. Over the past few weeks, being close to Adriano had become as natural as breathing. His presence made me feel safe and cherished in ways I had never experienced before....