Chapter 41 He leaned close, lips brushing my ear I think we have plenty of time for that. You've been through enough tonight. Next time. His voice dropped to a husky whisper. You owe me one Remember that." Heat flooded my cheeks. I stared at the ground, unable to meet his knowing gaze. He stood and pulled on his shirt and pants, then draped his jacket around my shoulders before lifting me in his arms. I buried my face against his neck as he carried me back to the car. The drive to the hotel passed in charged silence. I kept my eyes fixed on the passenger window, hyperaware of his presence beside me. Every breath brought his scent. Every glance revealed the evidence of what we'd done - his disheveled hair, the dampness still clinging to his shirt. When we reached our suite, I bolted for the master bedroom. "Thank you. Goodnight. The words tumbled out as I fled. His low chuckle followed me. 'Sleep well, Sabi." I closed the door and leaned against it, heart racing. What have I done? But my body felt loose and satisfied for the first time in hours. The desperate ache had faded to a manageable warmth. He could have taken everything. I would have let him. Instead, he'd given me exactly what I needed and asked for nothing in return. Next time. The promise in those words sent fresh heat through my core. Because there would be a next time. We both knew it. The next morning I woke up to an early alarm and began packing my bags-today was the day I would leave Moonridge, 1 zipped my suitcase shut, three years of life compressed into two bags. Hard to believe so little remained of the scared twenty-two-year-old who'd fled here with nothing but a medical degree and desperate hope, I was so naive then. The memories crashed back. That first awful apartment with the landlord who'd tried to corner me in the hallway, suggesting 'alternative payment methods" when I couldn't make rent. The sleepless nights working double shifts at the diner while applying for residency positions. Then I'd met Darrell. My knight in shining armor who'd rescued me. What a joke that turned out to be. A soft knock interrupted my brooding. 1/4 7:20 pm) Chapter 41 "Sabi? Ready to go? Caelan's voice carried through the door. My face burned as last night's memories flooded back. His hands on my skin. His mouth between my legs. The way Id completely lost control in that forest clearing How am I supposed to look at him now? "Almost," I called back, my voice embarrassingly hoarse. After checking out of the hotel and picking up my engagement ring from Lunar Jewelers, we headed to the airport. I kept my eyes fixed on the passenger window. Hours later, Caelan's private jet touched down at Blackwood Regional Airport. Edward waited beside a black SUV. "Your Majesty. Miss Crawford." Edward's greeting was respectfully warm. "Welcome home." Home. The word felt foreign on my tongue. Caelan helped me into the passenger seat before sliding in beside me. Edward pulled away from the airport, following winding roads I remembered from childhood. The familiar landscape rolled past - rolling hills dotted with oak trees, the distant peaks of the Cascade Range, meadows where I'd once collected rocks and wildflowers. It's beautiful. I'd forgotten how beautiful. But as we approached Crawford Manor's gates, my palms started sweating. "Hey." Caelan's hand covered mine, thumb tracing gentle circles across my knuckles. "You okay?" My heart hammered against my ribs. "Just… it's been a long time." "Need me to come in with you?" The offer was tempting. Facing Dad would be easier with Caelan's steady presence beside me. But some conversations required privacy. "No, I can handle it." Carlan squeezed my fingers. "If you need anything - anything at all call me immediately. I'll be there in two minutes flat." Despite my nerves, I found myself smiling. "Two minutes? Your place is fifteen minutes away by car. What are you going to do, fly? "Who says I need a car? His grin turned mischievous. I'll just run really, really fast." "Like the Flash?" "Better. I have better hair." I snorted with laughter. Your modesty is overwhelming "Modesty is for people who aren't ridiculously handsome kings. The absurd confidence in his voice made me giggle despite everything. My stomach unknotted slightly. 2/4 7:21 pm Chapter 41 Edward pulled through Crawford Manor's wrought iron gates. The circular driveway looked exactly the same flowerbeds, the marble fountain where I'd made childhood wishes. cream-colored gravel, perfectly manicured The SUV stopped in front of the main entrance. Caelan helped me out, his fingers lingering on mine. Remember what I said. Two minutes." Til time you He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead before climbing back into the vehicle. I watched the SUV disappear down the driveway, taking my security blanket with Deep breath. You can do this. I walked up the familiar stone steps and reached for the door handle. Locked. Right. I don't live here anymore. I pressed the doorbell and waited, shifting from foot to foot like a nervous stranger. Footsteps approached from inside. The heavy oak door swung open. Mary stood in the doorway. She was holding a feather duster, probably in the middle of her afternoon cleaning routine. For a moment, we just stared at each other. Then her brown eyes filled with tears. "My little miss!" Mary's voice cracked with emotion. She dropped the duster, reaching out with trembling hands like she couldn't quite believe I was real. "Oh, my sweet girl…" The dam broke. We flew into each other's arms, holding on like drowning people finding shore. Mary's familiar lily perfume surrounded me as she stroked my hair. "You're so thin, child. These years… you've suffered, haven't you?" Tears spilled down my cheeks. "Mary, I missed you so much." "Come in, come in!" She pulled back to examine my face, hands cupping my cheeks like I was still ten years old. 'Let me look at you properly." She ushered me through the foyer, still gripping my hands like I might disappear. "Have you been eating enough? Working too hard?" The questions tumbled out faster than I could answer. To fine, really. I love my work. Helping people, saving lives." Mary's face glowed with pride. I knew it. I always knew our little miss would do something wonderful. When you said you wanted to heal people, I knew you'd make it happen "Sabelate! 3/4 7:21pm From Substitute To Queen