JUNIPER'S POV:

The café hums with energy, with a lot of chatter in the air. Its open windows let out a soft ocean breeze, which makes my body feel cool in contrast to the hot, crisp croissant in my hand.

"Hot!" I exclaim as I take a bite of the piece, then I catch Hiram staring at me with intent. "I am fine," I say to him at once, then he reaches for my lips, wiping away the crumb stuck on them.

"Thank you," I mutter, and he nods before going back to staring at his coffee directionless.

I ...