Veronica POV
Veronica stirred, a lazy smile already forming on her lips.
She felt warm. Sated. Light in a way she hadn’t in months.
Last night with Brax hadn’t just scratched the itch that had been driving her half-mad—it had unraveled something deeper. Something terrifying and wonderful. He had touched her like she mattered. Like she was his.
She reached over, expecting to find solid warmth beside her.
But the bed was cold.
Her eyes blinked open. She sat up slowly, the sheets slipping down her bare chest. The room was quiet. Still.
Maybe he’s in the shower.
She held her breath for a moment, listening.
Nothing.
No running water. No movement. No Brax.
Veronica sat all the way up, clutching the blanket to her chest as her heart gave a hard, painful thump.
Did he… leave?
Her gaze
