BLOOD AND PETALS

s. Elena stood alone among her flowers, arranging a late bouquet for delivery. The world

should

bove the d

eath c

black coat. He didn't carry an umbrella. He didn't look wet. He

as she tried to speak.

ver steel. His eyes moved slowly over the shop bef

"Then why a

intly. "Because I

on, pretending his presence wasn't unraveling her calm. "You

ice softened. "Do

she kept her gaze on the

nt against the wooden floor. "Good,"

She finally looked

ered, sharp with somethi

d in surprise.

gered, dark and unyiel

it made the ribbon slip fro

n said simp

ainfully. "What are

udies fragile glass. "You deserve honesty, Elen

swers, but fear clamped her throat. Instead

breath hitch. "Because lies destroy flo

rable. The storm outside rumbled, l

hing the air with the scent of rain a

Daniel what he hides from you. An

chimed as

quet forgotten, her chest

had been building was nothing more than petals-

ring in the air. Elena locked the door and turned off the lights, her pe

car. The sight of him sent a familiar warmth through her

id, his smile bright as he opened the p

nto the seat. "You always make it

s against her temple before circling to the driver's side

gered in her thoughts. Still, she pushed

nst polished wine glasses. Daniel ordered her favorite

eks," he said softly. "Then you're mine forever, Elena. No more long days

ned with emotion

at. "Every time I see you in this, I re

with-the one who brought her tea when she stayed late in the shop, who kissed her

smile faltered. He flipped it face down quick

d with a shrug

unevenly. Adrian's words whispered at the

iel reached for her hand. She let him lace their fingers togeth

like he was keeping h