STAN POV
TRIGGER WARINGN: This chapter contains themes of trauma, emotional abuse, coercion, s****l violence (implied, not graphic), grooming, and predatory behavior. It also includes references to physical assault, psychological manipulation, and the lasting impact of abuse. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
I walked out of Aurora’s room feeling defeated, shoulders heavy as if I carried the entire ruins of Bloodhound Pack on my back. Truth be told, I hadn’t expected a tray of breakfast in bed to smooth things over between us. I wasn’t that naïve. But damn it—couldn’t a man dream? Couldn’t I at least hope for a smile that didn’t feel forced, for a flicker of warmth in her eyes instead of the restrained distance she wore like armor?
All of her dragged me deeper. Her scent, fiery a
