Chapter 48

• Danielle stood by the window of Alexander’s penthouse, watching the city lights shimmer like constellations scattered on the ground. The late-night quiet was almost therapeutic, but her thoughts ran wild, threading moments from the past few weeks into a confusing tapestry. Her heart was light—lighter than it had been in years—but still unsure, still scared of the calm before a storm.
• Footsteps approached from behind, slow and deliberate. She didn’t need to turn to know it was Alexander. His presence had a gravity she felt down to her bones.
• “Why do I get the feeling you’re thinking about running?” he asked softly, sliding his arms around her waist.