"Anna, you aren't thinking about leaving me?" Anthony’s voice cracked, the raw fear vibrating in the quiet room.
Anna opened her eyes and turned toward him. She didn't speak at first, letting the silence stretch as Anthony searched her gaze for any sign of a goodbye.
"No," she finally whispered, her voice steady and grounding. "I will never leave you."
Relief washed over him, a half-smile tugging at his lips. She stepped closer, the heat of her body radiating against his. When she reached out to cup his cheek, her skin felt like silk against his stubble. "Why would you ever think I’d leave you?" she murmured, stroking his face as if he were something precious she’d finally found.
"I know how much you respect your mom, so I..." He choked on the words, unable to finish. He clamped his ha
