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“I wouldn’t want anyone else here, either,” she whispered.

I could barely nod, and I forced myself to step back.

The second I did, she heaved a breath, and she stalled for one more second before she pushed open the door.

She picked up the box and stepped inside, and she turned around in the middle of the living room and looked back at me.

Her stunning face exuded all that goodness. Delicate arms slender and bare. The barest slip of skin exposed on her belly beneath the pink crop top.

Every inch of my body clutched.

Fuck.

This was going to be brutal.

But I’d never forget the oath I had made to her brother.

The one I’d made to her.

I’d keep her safe.

Even if who I was keeping her safe from was me.

FOUR

ELENA

“Can you believe how perfect it is?” I asked as I spun a circle in the middle of my living room.

I was still reeling with the fact that I had my own place.

Okay, it was kind of small. But I didn’t mind.

It was cozy.

Exactly the way I wanted it.

On the left side of the main room was the living area. A comfy, linen-colored couch faced the television sitting on a console table, and a small, two-stool island separated the living room from the kitchen on the right.

Directly to the back was the single bedroom and bathroom.

Brinley helped me decorate, and I’d gone full vintage vibes after we raided every thrift store in town.

The best part was the balcony through the French doors to the right side of the kitchen that overlooked the woods with a view of the river running through.

Trevan grunted, though this one was in agreement.

I was a pro at differentiating the sounds he made, even though they likely came off the same to people who didn’t know him.

“Fits you to a T.”

I grinned. “You think so?”

He chuckled a rough sound. “You leave your mark wherever you go, Little Apple.”

The nickname he’d given me years ago was riddled with affection.

“I like to think I do leave my mark. At least I’m going to need to if I have any chance of making the gift shop successful,” I said.