Page 72 of A Sinful Gravity

Just as I thought it would go to voicemail, he answered.

Silence on the other end.

"Hello?" I said. "Cassian?"

"Luna?"

His voice was impossibly hoarse, like something had caught in his throat. I even heard something hit the floor—probably dropped whatever he was holding.

"It's me."

A rustling sound came through the phone, then his breathing, fast and heavy, like he was trying to calm himself.

"You... you called me." His voice still shook. "Sorry, I just... I didn't expect it."

I froze.

Right. Six years. I'd changed my number, never reached out.

"About your proposal," I kept my voice steady. "I want to talk."

"Yes." He answered instantly. "I'm listening."

"I have conditions."

"First, Laila and I need a separate living space. Your part and ours—completely separate."

"Of course." Cassian didn't hesitate. "The entire second floor is yours. I'll stay in the first-floor guest room."

I hadn't expected him to agree so quickly.

"Second, you don't interfere with my work or social life. When I rehearse, when I perform, who I see—that's my business."

"Okay." Same tone. "I won't ask about your work. Or your... social life."

He paused, and I heard what that pause meant—social life, including Seb.

But he said nothing more.

"Third, like you said, I can leave anytime. If I'm uncomfortable, or if Laila doesn't adjust, we're gone. You can't stop us."

Silence on the other end for two seconds.

My heart tightened.

Then he said, "Okay."

"You... don't have anything to say?"

He was quiet for a moment.

"Luna." His voice was soft. "You need these conditions because you don't trust me. And you shouldn't. I've given you every reason not to."

I gripped the phone, silent.

"I agree to everything you said." He continued, "Not just now—anytime you ask, I'll do it. I won't interfere with your life."

His voice grew softer.