Chapter 56

• Spring crept in slow and golden, painting the city in warm light and flower petals. Ellis stood barefoot in her studio, paint smudged on her thigh, hair twisted in a messy knot. The window was open, music low, and the scent of turpentine clung to the air like something holy.
• She was working on a new piece—one that had no deadline, no promise to be sold. Just something for her. For them.
• Asher leaned against the doorway, arms folded, wearing a grin that tugged at her stomach.