Relief coursed through me.
But so did a strange, sharp pang of disappointment.
I felt torn—utterly torn—between my love and loyalty to my husband and this dangerous, fleeting pull toward Malik.
It was like standing between a furnace and a bonfire.
One was steady, unwavering, mine.
The other was wild, consuming, forbidden.
I huffed out a breath, pushing the thoughts away.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice even though my insides were twisted.
Malik studied me, his emerald gaze searching.
Then—almost reverently—he reached out, his fingertip tracing a featherlight path down my cheek.
A shiver licked down my spine.
“I know one thing,” Malik murmured.
“When you get to Italy… your life will never be the same.”
A storm raged inside me, a churning mix of emotions I couldn’t untangle—anticipation, fear, the ghost of something unspokenbetween us.
We stood silently, the air thick with everything we weren’t saying.
Neither of us moved.
Neither of us let go.
Then, suddenly, Malik tore his gaze from mine, his head snapping toward the window.
His entire body went rigid.
“She’s here,” he muttered, his voice low with warning.
Outside, the full moon climbed in the sky, its silver light stretching across the landscape like a menacing specter.
I swallowed hard, my heart hammering.
Was I truly ready to do this? To travel through time once more?
But before I could let the fear take hold, a small, unexpected smile curved my lips.
Maybe it was recklessness.
Maybe it was defiance.
Or maybe I was finally embracing the chaos of my existence.
I lifted my chin, meeting Malik’s gaze head-on.
“Yes, Malik,” I said, my voice clear. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 15
