“You’ll sleep even better tonight,” he continued, taking a casual sip. “I’ve been patient, Aria.” His eyes lifted, slow. “I won’t be anymore.”

My fingers tightened around my glass. My body went still. I tried to keep my heartbeat from showing in my face.

“Tonight,” he said, as if announcing a business meeting. “I want what’s mine.”

The rest of breakfast passed in silence — the kind of silence that was too loud, too sharp.

He left for ...