Matteo’s POV
The backyard had long since fallen quiet. The children were finally asleep, their laughter still echoing faintly in my mind like the sweetest music I’d ever heard. I stepped out onto the back porch, the cool night air brushing against my skin.
Lara stood at the railing, looking up at the stars. She wore a simple white nightgown that clung softly to her body, the hem fluttering gently in the breeze. My breath caught in my throat.
I had no right to be here. No right to stare at her like this. But I couldn’t look away.
She was beautiful. More than beautiful — radiant. The star mark on her collarbone glowed faintly, casting a soft silver light across her skin. Her hair fell in loose waves down her back. Even after everything I had done to her, she still took my breath away.
