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CHAPTER 30

Alana

We didn’t talk about the way he held me.

About the way he pretended.

About the way I wanted it to be real.

Just… back to baseline.

And I’m glad we’re able to fall back into our usual routine.

The control is grounding.

I know this version of us.

The one where we orbit each other without collision.

Where glances are safe and touches are tactical.

Where I don’t have to wonder what he meant when he kissed my shoulder.

Twice. Where I don’t have to ask if it meant anything at all.

But a thought lingers, whispering in the back of my mind.

Beneath it all, there’s a quiet ache.