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But we stopped going out because she hated people staring at the walking brace she had to wear.

She pulled back just enough to look at me.

“You deserve to be pleased, Zacian. Just tell me you want somebody else.”

“I don’t deserve nothing, but you,” I said. “Sex don’t move me. You know that. Whenever you ready, I’m here.”

She exhaled shaky. “Thank you. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

The mood shifted, softer.

“Dinner is in the oven,” she said, wiping her face. “I finally let the chef do her job.”

I smirked. “About time.”

I went upstairs first. Checked on our son. Little man was knocked out, mouth open, cartoons still paused on the screen. I stood there longer than I needed to, just watching him breathe.

I headed to my man cave, rolled a blunt, and called my mother to check on Azaria.

She picked up on the second ring. Azaria was screaming in the background.

I closed my eyes.

“She needs real help,” I said.

My mother sighed. “Well, tell Ares. She’s his responsibility now. Don’t call me until it's time for her ass to get on a plane.”

The call ended before I could argue.

I smoked half the blunt, let the pressure settle in my chest, then went downstairs to eat. Cognac in my glass. Chicken wings on my plate. Emily stretched out on the couch, quiet now.

After dinner, I helped her up the stairs. Slow steps. Careful.

We got to our room.

I stripped down and stepped into the shower, hot water hitting my shoulders, finally washing the day off.

Halfway through, the door opened.

I looked up.

Emily stepped in, completely naked, eyes soft but determined.

She moved closer, water running down her skin, hand sliding over my chest. My dick got hard immediately.

“Tonight,” she whispered.

I froze for a second, surprised.

She pushed me on the bench I had installed for her and climbed onto me.

Her hands shook just a little as she wrapped them around my neck.

She kissed me like she was trying to remember who we used to be.

“Don’t let me fall, Zay,” she uttered in my ear.