?Chapter 106:

Afterward, he held me close, his arms wrapped tight around me, like he didn’t want to let go. “Sleep,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

I closed my eyes, surrounded by his scent, his warmth. His heartbeat, steady and strong, lulled me into sleep, but deep down, I knew things weren’t quite right. Not anymore.

JASMINE

A yawn escaped my lips as I stretched, my arms reaching across the bed. Empty. I groaned and stretched farther, feeling the cool sheets against my fingers. Ryder’s side was cold, and that realization hit like a sucker punch. His scent still lingered on the bed.

With a sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, blinking away the sleepiness. My dder screamed for attention, so I rushed to the restroom.

After handling my business, I sshed water on my face, trying to shake off the lingering fog in my brain. Back in the bedroom, I stared at Ryder’s pillow. Empty. Again. My chest tightened. Great. Another day starting with an empty bed and an ache I couldn’t shake.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Ryder. A thrill shot through me as I grabbed it.

“Good morning, baby vixen,” the text read. “Missing you already. Can’t wait toe back to you. XOXO.”

I rolled my eyes and smiled, my heart fluttering despite myself. Damn, that man knew how to get under my skin. I thought back tost night, heat rushing to my cheeks. Ryder’s touch, his scent—everything about him was intoxicating.

I hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard. How the hell was I supposed to respond to that without sounding like a lovesick fool?

Screw it. I typed quickly before I could overthink it.

“Missing you too. Come back soon.”

A pause, then I added, “Love you.”

Before I could chicken out, I hit send and tossed the phone aside. I’d deal with my feelingster.

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I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the day ahead. I couldn’t let this half-empty, half-filled feeling consume me. Ryder would be back soon. I’d hold on to that.

Determined to start my day, I rushed through my morning routine, my mind flickering back to Ryder every now and then. As I finished up in the bathroom, a thought struck me—today was my first day at my new job. Ryder’s words echoed in my head. Maverick. The suspense was killing me, but I was determined not to let my excitement—or nerves—show.

I entered the room to find the bed neatly made, my outfit for the dayid out. Seraphina stood beside it, her eyes expectant.

“Good morning, mistress. Do you like it?” she asked, concern etching her features.

I nced at the ensemble—long white tee, zer, red ck pants. Simple, clean. “Are you kidding? I love it. Thanks, Seraphina,” I said, shing her a genuine smile. Her eagerness to please was endearing. I kept saying she’s my favorite in the pack. Aside from the fact that she was assigned by Ryder, she was all I had.

Just as Seraphina finished taming my hair, the door mmed open. I turned just in time to see Isabelle storming in, eyes zing with fury.

“Get out of Ryder’s room!” she screeched, her voice like nails on a chalkboard.

Oh really? You know how spoiled and bratty Cindere’s sisters were. She was a typical example of one.

I nced at herzily, dabbing a bit of blush on my cheeks. “It’s my room now, Isabelle. Ryder and I—”

“Bold of you to assume you belong here!” she spat, eyes narrowing. “You’re nothing but a passing fling. Ryder will tire of you soon enough.”

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