She faints in a grocery store—but the mafia boss who catches her notices hidden bruises and uncovers a truth that changes everything

her for crying.

Part 2

Healing did not feel like sunlight at first.

It felt like soup.

Chicken, garlic, vegetables, bread warm from the oven. Meera set the bowl in front of Allara that first night and told her to eat slowly, because a starving body could not be hurried back into trust.

Allara obeyed.

Nikolai came in while she was halfway through, dressed continue reading …