Page 56 of Vows in Sin

I can barely process her words with my heart pounding intensely, the blood roaring in my ears. The noise is deafening, making it impossible to focus. Each muscle clench floods me with a surging, overwhelming need.

Tabitha waves to her friend. "Seraphina! Over here.” She leaves me, running to close the distance to her mate.

Seraphina. The name wrecks me every time I hear it, which is nothing compared to what I feel seeing her now.

Seraphina turns and greets Tabitha. Her eyes briefly flick past mine, sparks flying from the brief contact of our gazes. “Have you met my dad?” Tabby calls brightly, dragging me closer. “He’s the one who got everyone out,” she says with pride.

My daughter’s best mate. She’s nothing more to me. Not anymore. So why does my heart beat this hard? My mouth opens, but the words tangle. There’s a storm behind my ribs. I can’t name the churning emotions.

Her eyes finally meet mine.

I keep my gaze careful. Controlled. I don’t offer a flicker of recognition.

She matches my performance.

“Nice to meet you,” I say, smiling like my insides aren’t on fire.

I extend my hand.

Her grip makes my throat ache. Soft. Strong. Warm.

Electricity pulses over my skin.

My fingers linger a beat too long. She mumbles, “Pleasure.”

I drop her hand.

“I’ve heard so much about you,” she says lightly, lying through her teeth.

“Oh?” Cool as ice. “I hope only the good parts.”

We hold the gaze too long. A war of restraint and longing.

Tabitha gives me a funny look. “Are you sure you two have never met?”

“I’m sure I’d remember,” I murmur, unable to make my eyes leave her face.

Seraphina trains her gaze on Tabitha. “Nope. Not that I know of.”

“It’s wild that you haven’t. Seraphina and I have been friends for years. I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about her.”

“Nope,” I say. “I’d remember a name that…” Beautiful. I clear my throat. “Unique.”

Tabitha shrugs. “Well, she used to go by Sara.”

“I did.” Seraphina keeps her eyes trained on Tabitha as much as possible. “Changed it when I moved to the city.”

Sara. I try to hide the recognition from my face. I have heard Tabitha talk about a girl from home. A real feisty one with pretty brown curls.

I didn’t put the pieces together.

Tabitha continues. “We’ve all been placed with Blaze and your friend Cleo! Their parents were living there but recently moved to town. It’ll be a squeeze but like a fun sleepover with your two besties!”

And I can’t breathe.

Being on this massive Estate together is one thing.

Sharing a house? No. Impossible.