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Shock bolts through me. Panic, perhaps, is a better word.

I never had any intention offallingfor Lara.

From the moment we met, she has been a wild attraction for me, and I didn’t even notice the day it changed into something more. I race through my memories, trying to pinpoint the moment it happened, but each memory with her is filled with fondness that overwhelms me even more.

What’s happened to me?

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

I slip my arm out from around her and shift across the bed, trying not to wake her anymore.

I’m in too deep.

It’s a risk to care about people, and I already have my family to think about.

I didn’t want this.

I just wanted—I don’t know what I wanted.

This is too much.

I climb out of bed and hurry from the room, heading downstairs to make coffee.

As I walk away, I hear her softly calling my name, but I ignore it.

I can’t think straight, and all I want now is to create space between us.

How did I let her get to me?

It’s a weakness.

To become emotionally involved with someone is a form of weakness. And I can’t afford weakness in my position.

Chapter 20 - Lara

I’m certain he heard me.

I wasn’t speaking loudly, but he was still in the room when I called his name, so it would have been impossible for him not to hear me.

Nestor hurries through the door and turns down the passage, out of sight. Why would he ignore me?

I must be mistaken.

Maybe I was softer than I thought.

Stretching my body out, I wiggle my toes under the blanket and smile, turning to bury my face against his pillow.

Things between Nestor and me have been amazing lately.

He’s sweet and caring and incredibly special to me.

More than special.

An intense craving for coffee drives me to climb out of bed, despite being so warm and comfortable. If I had my way, I’d snuggle up to Nestor all day and forget about the rest of the world until tomorrow.

But he probably wants to check in on his mom.

I hope she’s doing okay. It was heartbreaking to watch her yesterday. Her pain was so raw, so scrutinized by those disgusting reporters. I have no idea why they allowed them in there. I bet Miron had a lot to do with that. It was his father’s funeral, and Nestor mentioned that he was the one who made the arrangements. So that means he was the one who invited the media inside such a delicate and intimate affair.