Page 59 of A Sinful Gravity

"Okay." She squeezed my hand. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."

The rain had stopped outside; Washington's night went quiet, a car passing now and then, lights flashing through the curtain gaps, then gone.

"Head back," I said. "It's late."

Chloe nodded, grabbed her bag.

"Call me if anything. Anytime."

"Will do. Drive safe."

After seeing Chloe out, I shut the door and leaned against it.

The living room stayed quiet. I could almost hear Laila's steady breathing.

I went to the bedroom, stood by the bed for a bit. Soft light hit her face, making it glow gently.

I knelt, brushed hair from her forehead.

"Baby," I whispered. "Mommy won't let anyone hurt you. No matter who."

She rolled over, grabbed the blanket, and kept sleeping.

I lay down too, staring at the ceiling.

My body still felt his touch. His fingers' warmth, his racing heartbeat, the desperate force of his kisses.

I closed my eyes, breathed deep, and let it out slowly.

One month from now, Washington, Cassian, all this mess—

It'd be over.

This time, no one could change my mind.

Chapter Fourteen

Cassian

I didn't know how I'd driven home.

When I came to, the car was already parked below the apartment building. The rain had stopped hours ago, leaving streaks across the windshield. Streetlight filtered through, turning everything a hazy orange.

I sat in the driver's seat. Didn't move.

My fingers still held her warmth. My lips still tasted of her.

My mind replayed it all—the way she'd looked beneath me, the way she'd turned her head to keep the tears from falling, the way her voice had gone cold to the bone when she'd said, "Get out."

Every image cut like a knife. I'd lost control again. Once more, I'd used my rage and desire to corner her.

I'd fucked up again.

I slammed my fist into the steering wheel. The horn blared once, piercing the silent night.

I'd planned to stay calm. To talk. But the second I touched her, hell, the second I caught her scent, I couldn't help myself.

Jealousy and longing had exploded all at once.