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My lips part involuntarily, my body remembering what my mind has tried to forget.

"Luca…" His name escapes as a plea, though I'm not sure what I'm asking for.

Mercy? Distance? Or something I can't allow myself to want?

He doesn't move closer, but he doesn't step away, either.

I see the question in his eyes, the silent request for permission.

One kiss.

One moment to remember what we were.

What we could have been.

“Say it.” His voice is a whisper, but firm, demanding.

“I believe you.”

His lips crush down on mine.

Rockets fire, just like they had the first time he kissed me.

For a moment, I go with it.

How can I not?

I’ve missed him. Longed for him. Needed to feel wanted by him.

But reality quickly follows. It kills me, but I break the kiss and step back. I keep my head down, unable to look him in the eyes. “I have to go. The kids…”

It's a lie.

I have another hour before school is out, but I need to escape before I do something I'll regret.

Before I tell him everything.

"Of course." His voice is rough, his eyes never leaving mine as I back away. "Your children come first."

I nod, gathering my purse and hurrying out of the room toward the front door.

"Elena."

My name on his lips stops me at the doorway.

I turn to see him standing beneath the mistletoe, tall and proud and heartbreakingly familiar.

"This conversation isn't over. Not by a long shot."

I don't respond.

I can't.

But as I hurry to my car, I know with bone-deep certainty that he's right.

LUCA

I stand alone in Dominic's foyer, running my thumb across my lips where Elena's taste still lingers.