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“Why not?”

“Because we aren’t together anymore,” I reminded him firmly. “You know where we stand.”

“I know that, Lakelyn.” Yonas gave me an exasperated look, shaking his head. “I’m not asking you to take me back, girl or hell, even marry me. I’m literally just asking if I can crash here for a few days.” He took another slow look around the luxurious living room, admiring the craftsmanship before turning back to me. “Look at this house. You got enough square footage in here to house an entire damn football roster.”

“That is not the point, Yonas.”

“I know it’s not,” he said softly, his voice turning gentle. “Look, I can go book a room at a high-end hotel down the street right now. That’s not a problem. I just don’t want to spend the next four days sitting alone in some room staring at four walls, driving myself crazy over lawsuits and court dates. I wanted to spend some time around people who actually give a damn about me. You and Kaidence were always my peace.”

My chest tightened, and my expression softened despite myself.

Yonas was broken down and needed a safe place to rest his head. Even when I broke his heart and told him I couldn’t give him the future he wanted, he had handled it with unbelievable grace. He never asked for the Range Rover back, never brought up the expensive gifts or the money he’d spent on us, and never once acted bitter or made me feel guilty for choosing to follow my heart back to Caspian’s memory.

And right now, he’s broken down and needed a safe place to rest his head.

I wasn’t the kind of woman who could forget how someone showed up for me just because our romantic relationship had ended, so the least I could was give him that.

Still, the knot in my stomach wouldn’t completely uncoil.

This is Caspian’s mansion… a house that has already made its supernatural presence very known over the last few days. Bringing another man—especially an ex-boyfriend—into Caspian’s territory felt like playing with fire.

I glanced toward the open hallway, looking toward the staircase where the cold air still lingered, before turning my eyes back to Yonas.

“Only four days,” I stated firmly.

A small, hopeful smile broke across his face. “Yes, ma’am.”

I blew out a breath, weighing my options. “And you’re completely clear that we are just friends? You’re not expecting us to cross any lines or rekindle anything?”

“Lakelyn, I heard you loud and clear the first time,” he promised, raising a hand in surrender. “Strictly platonic. I just want to relax and hang out with you and Kaidence.”

I studied his face carefully.

Yonas looked completely sincere, but more than anything, he looked exhausted.

Finally, I exhaled and stood up. “Alright. You can stay.”

Yonas stood up quickly and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into another tight, grateful hug. “’Preciate this, Lakelyn. You don’t know how much I needed this.”

“You’re welcome,” I said, patting his back before stepping back and pointing a warning finger at his chest. “But you are sleeping in a guest room on the far side of the hall… nowhere near my room.”

He chuckled, nodding easily. “I figured as much.”

“And don’t start getting too comfortable or spreading your corporate paperwork all over the dining room table.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he laughed. “Strict house rules. Got it.”

“Come on,” I said, turning toward the hallway. “I’ll show you where you can set your bags down.”

He grabbed the handles of his luggage, but before following me toward the stairs, he paused and looked at me again. “Lakelyn?”

I turned back around. “Yeah?”

“Thank you. For real.”

I offered him a warm, gentle smile. “After everything you’ve done for me, you don’t have to thank me for being here when things get rough.”

He nodded silently, lifting his bags, and followed me up the grand staircase.