~ Becca ~
I wake up before Jace.
That never happens.
Usually, he’s already up, already thinking, already five moves ahead of whatever the day is going to throw at him.
But this morning he’s still asleep behind me. One arm heavy over my waist. Face relaxed in a way he’d probably deny if I told him.
For a second, I just lie there.
No chaos.
No strategy.
No Stephen.
Just warmth.
Then my phone buzzes on the nightstand.
Unknown number.
I don’t move at first. It buzzes again.
Jace shifts slightly. Not awake yet.
I carefully slide out from under his arm and grab my phone.
Message.
You’ve been back longer than you said. Why lie?
My stomach drops.
No name attached.
But I don’t need one.
Stephen.
My chest tightens, but I force myself to breathe slow.
He doesn’t know.
If he kne
