Zara Fox's POV
The emptiness beside me was the first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes.
Julian had gotten up early, so early that not even the warmth of his body had lingered in the bed. We'd only been sleeping together for a few days—by contract, always by contract—and my body was already craving his absence. That was dangerous.
But I didn't have time to psychoanalyze myself. Alina needed me.
I got up, tied my hair in a messy bun, and crossed the hall to her room. The little girl was already awake, sitting on her bed with her stuffed giraffe clutched to her chest. Her enormous eyes gazed at me intently.
"Good morning, my love," I whispered, stroking her cheek.
"Mommy," she replied awkwardly. It was only the second time she'd spoken and called me that.
I helped her get dr
