YELENA
I deleted the messages so fast my fingers shook. Blocked the number too. Tristan wasn’t going to reach me again. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not until I allowed it which was never.
I forced out a breath and stood. I was not letting him ruin my mood. Today was for Claire. For Lorra and her boys. For the small piece I had finally found. Tyler’s warmth still clung to me, and I refused to let Tristan’s shadow touch it.
By the time I finished dressing, my baby girl stretched on the bed beside me, rubbing her little hand over her sleepy face.
“Mo-mmy,” she mumbled.
“I’m here, baby.” I scooped her up, kissing both her cheeks until she giggled like sunshine. Goddess, she smelled like strawberries and baby lotion, my favorite mix in the world.
I changed her into a soft pink gown, one she
