Independent Widow

below. The dim glow of the streetlights reflected off the wet pavement, casting a soft, almost ethereal light on the world outside. It was a peaceful scene, but her mind was far

n his presence, there was a knot

th-however hard it was to admit-was that she was still afraid. Afraid of getting too close, of opening herself up to the possibility of pain. Because that

skipped in her chest, and she felt a sudden surge of panic. Who c

hen she opened it, Noah stood there, his expression unreadable in the dim hallwa

im again tonight, especially not after their intimate dinner. But there was something in his post

he said, his voice low, rough. "I-there's something I

down her spine. Her heart began to race, her instincts w

dy despite the storm of emotions

oom with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. He clo

ah began, his gaze unwavering. "There are things about me-about my pa

ny times she had been deceived, lied to, manipulated. She had seen this before-the shift i

about?" she asked, her

to burden you with my past, Kendra. But I can't keep it from you anymore. I never intended for you to

r voice was sharp now, the fear and uncertainty that had been

mily... my father... they're not who you think they are. I've been hiding from them, from the things I've d

, gripping the back of the couch to steady herself. "What do you

of a powerful syndicate. And no matter how far I've tried to run, they've always found a way to pull me back in. I've been trying

ss his words. She had suspected there was something off about him, but this-this was something completely differe

she asked, her voice trembling de

you, Kendra. I didn't want to drag you into this, but it's already too late. You're already too clo

o wake up to. Her heart was torn between the man she had come to care for

ice hoarse. "I never asked for this, Noah. I neve

didn't want to involve you in this, Kendra. But I need you to understand that whatev

nger rising. "Why did you hide this from me, Noah? Why di

I didn't want to lose you, Kendra. I've lost so many people in my life-people I cared about, people

pill. "I don't know what to think anymore," she admitted, her voice b

. "I'm still me. I know I messed up by not telling you sooner, but I'm trying

ht she knew and the dark reality he was hiding. She didn't know what the future held, but