The morning after Mikhail stormed into Cloud's apartment, she called to check on me. I told her I was fabulous, and she didn't try to talk me out of seeing Red again, so she must be okay with us being together.
She'll know how to help me talk to my parents.
The assumption knots my stomach tighter. Mikhail's involvement lingers in my thoughts, his warnings about discretion andconsequences. Still, he hasn't whispered to others besides Aunt Kora, who already knew about our situation. If he had, I'd know.
Red would know.
I swallow hard.
Why hasn't Mikhail leaked details to my uncle or to my father directly? The question whirls, accelerating my heartbeat.
I need to ask Demi to find out why he hasn't said anything.
I grab my phone off the nightstand. My fingers tremble as I type a quick text to Kora.
Me: Can we meet for coffee this morning? Need to talk.
I hit send before second thoughts paralyze me. Then I pace the bedroom, the carpet soft under my bare feet, but my heartbeat echoes loud in the quiet space. Each step amplifies the wait, my mind racing about what to do if Aunt Kora refuses to help.
The phone buzzes, and I snatch it up.
Kora's reply flashes.
Aunt Kora: Sure. Usual spot in 30?
Neutral words, but the quick response carries an urgency that unsettles me, making my throat tighten.
This will work out. I should have thought about talking to her sooner.
I convince myself with a nod, the knot in my chest loosening just enough to breathe deeper.
I dress quickly, pulling on jeans and a sweater, then grab my purse and keys. Confidence surges, forced but real enough to propel me outthe door. This meeting marks the beginning, the step that solidifies Red and me beyond hidden nights and careful boundaries.
He appears when I step into the main living room. He's leaning against the counter, his coffee mug in his hand, and his eyes light up when he sees me. "Morning, Bluebird. Sleep well?"
"Better with you here." I cross to him, rising on my toes to kiss him softly. Tension hums between us, his hand lingers on my waist, and he pulls me closer for a moment that stretches with unspoken want.
He sets the mug down and cups my face. "Where are you off to this early?"
"I'm meeting Aunt Kora for coffee." The words tumble out, but my voice stays steady despite the flutter in my chest.
His thumb strokes my cheek, concern etching his brow. "Why do you look nervous? What am I missing?"
"Nothing. I'm good. Happy," I add, which isn't a total lie. Now that Red dismissed his no sex rule, and he proved he still loves me, I am happy.
He studies me a moment, then smiles. "I'm happy too. Want to come to back to my place for dinner tonight?"
"Sure." I step on my tiptoes and kiss him again, deeper this time, my hands sliding up his chest. The rapid beat of his heart mirrors mine. Desire builds, his grip tightens on my hips, but I pull back, my breath ragged. "I have to go."
He releases me reluctantly, his eyes dark with the same hunger twisting through me. "Love you, Bluebird. See you tonight."
"Love you too." I step away, the separation aching already, but determination pushes me forward. I exit my apartment, the elevator dings, and I descend, replaying our kiss with the promise in his touch fueling my resolve.
Outside, the cool air hits my face, sharpening my focus. Cars rush by, horns blaring in the morning chaos, but I weave through pedestrians with purpose. The coffee shop looms ahead, its familiar sign a beacon amid the uncertainty.
Aunt Kora sits at our usual table by the window, her posture straight, coffee steaming in front of her. She spots me and waves, smiling.
I bend down and hug her, then slide into the seat across from her.
