Bella's POV
I walked away from that job the next morning without looking back. No mental calculations about overdue bills or rent payments could keep me chained to that desk another day. Every footstep he took across those marble floors sent tremors through my entire being.
His gaze haunted me. The way my name rolled off his tongue like a possession he'd never surrendered. The hunger in that kiss, as if he'd been deprived of something essential. My pulse still betrayed me, racing at memories I should despise with every fiber of my soul.
Fiona nearly shattered the plate in her hands when I announced my decision. "You're actually doing this?" Her eyebrows shot up.
"Without question."
She searched my face for hidden meanings, then exhaled and dropped her dish towel. "Finally. You've been suffocating since day one at that place."
A smile tugged at my lips. "I can finally breathe."
Her elbow bumped mine gently. "This is your home for however long you need."
