I try to prove to myself that I don't need a savior. I change my locks, block the new numbers, and force myself to walk to my favorite coffee shop every morning. I am rebuilding my life, piece by tiny piece. But Tyler is a shadow that refuses to detach. He leaves my favorite flowers on my doorstep. He shows up at the grocery store, watching me from the end of the aisle before slipping away.

Through it all, Adam is a ghost. The realization that he truly stepped back hurts more than I care to admit. I had convinced myself that beneath his guarded, unfeeling exterior beat a heart that cared for me. But as the days turn into weeks, I have to accept the truth: I was just a convenience.

Until I see him. It's a rainy Tuesday, and he's standing under the awning of a bookstore across from my office. I don't think; I just walk straight through the downpour and confront him.

"Why did you just vanish?" I demand, the rain plastering my black hair to my cheeks. "You bail on me after getting arrested, you leave me to deal with Tyler, and now you're just standing here?"

Adam looks down at me, rain catching in his dark lashes and beard. "Our arrangement was supposed to be uncomplicated, Megan. I am clearly no longer capable of keeping it that way."

"Is beating someone bloody your idea of caring about me?" I ask, my voice trembling.

He steps closer, invading my space until I can feel the heat radiating off his chest. "No. That was my idea of losing control. And that is exactly why I can't be near you."

His gaze drops to my lips. For a fraction of a second, the distance evaporates. He leans in, his breath grazing my jaw, and my eyes flutter shut. But he pulls back, clenching his jaw, and walks away into the rain.

That night, I am walking to my car in the dimly lit parking garage when a figure steps out from behind a concrete pillar. My heart stops. Tyler's clean-shaven face is tight with anger, his blond hair still styled into that polished, side-swept shape he always spent too much time pretending was effortless. The look in his eyes isn't apologetic anymore. It's pure rage.

OMG that almost-kiss had us screaming! 😩 But now Megan is trapped! Will Adam realize his mistake in time? Hit 🚨 to send Megan some backup, and sound off in the comments about that terrifying cliffhanger! 👇