Elin’s POV

Aaron stayed with me through the night.

Of course, he did nothing more than wrap his arms around me and sleep quietly. He stayed close and steady, his warmth and broad chest holding me like a husband should. For a little while, in that secure cocoon, I felt what it would be like to belong to someone who cared for me as a partner—dependable, protective, present. But I didn’t linger on that feeling anymore. Those comforts no longer had any claim on me.

Once Yanis had lined up ...