His Daughter's Nanny, His Heart's Obsession

g came

wasn't there for coffee or idle chatter because she was busy packing Isla's things for her therapy sessio

trust outside

ng came

and crouched beside her at the door. "

nod

sla's pocket gently. It was a grounding tool

er ti

m and open. "You've

her hand

was

-

, Aria sat alone while Isla worked with the therap

t Isla t

ut

omething in his eyes when the phone rang. That to

nded her. P

before she could

ut holding a small sheet of paper.

breath

er a tree, one tall, one small, both hol

looking back. The little girl star

you draw t

pa

a tin

. She knelt and wrapped her arms around the girl

-

as Damon stood in his private gym, pounding through the final set of

thinking a

bout how that wom

om a silent shadow into a girl w

sworn to himself - that after Helena, he'd never

ere s

exactl

staff review. She entered quietly, expecting Damon. But it was

. "I just wanted to check

ething

our wrist." He didn't ask gently. He asked like he

sti

wer, fingers curling. "I don't

m said. "But it

oked up

ut because I think people who've survived pain

. But her shoulde

if you ever need someone to talk to... someone

"Thanks. But I'm not th

the one doing the saving. Just don'

-

ssed Aria in the hall

, but did

walked past

ri

tu

long enough for her to

id, "You're doing...

Rough. Not what

amon's versi

soft smile.

back - just a flicker, j

was e

lay in bed, Isla's dr

again - another call missed. Another voicemail unheard

n't op

't r

up his glass and wa

thought sile

a voice and it sou