Moran Manor, Northdale.
Flora rested on a lounge chair in the courtyard. The winter sun warmed her skin.
A small smile appeared on her lips when she thought of Theo that morning.
That fool had stolen a kiss.
Like a kid sneaking candy, he had softly pecked her lips and quickly pulled away, as if afraid she would wake up.
So careful. So gentle. He was nothing like the rumors at all.
They had been married for six months.
Theo had never forced her once. No matter how busy he was, he always came back to sleep beside her.
He felt like a shadow beside her. Or like a solid wall. Always there. Always protecting her.
Slowly, it became a habit.
That quiet sense of safety settled into her life. Now, Flora could only fall asleep when she heard his breathing and smelled his familiar scent.
A
