Page 33 of Sweet Madness

I can’t hide the smile anymore.

In fact, the smile widens, so much so that it almost hurts, yet I don’t feel pain. None.

All I feel are a million butterflies dancing in my belly as Shaw pins me with his gaze.

I’ll get there, Shaw. I’ll conquer that heart of yours and paint your world pink, I vow silently as he stares at me, looking almost concerned… but maybe not concerned, but… afraid.

What could possibly scare a man as large and lethal as this one?

Then Low’s words from before come to mind.

Could it be?

But then I realize maybe it’s not me he’s afraid of, but the feelings I might stir in him.

“Deal?” he declares, extending a hand toward me.

Rising from my seat, I almost jumped in excitement. “Deal,” I say, shaking his hand forcefully and sealing our deal.

A bolt of electricity runs through me as our hands touch, and for a second, I think it’s just me, but then Shaw lowers his gaze and his nostrils flare.

He feels it.

Good.

Because Shaw Banning is in for the ride of a lifetime, and he has no idea.

Because I know what I want. I’ve always known.

Shaw’s name has been etched in the stars within my heart long before I met him.

Now I just need him to see it.

Space Note

“Saturn is the furthest planet that can be seen from earth without a telescope. Did you know that, Moonshine?” - E

Chapter

Nine

BEAUTY AND THE GRUMP

Ella

“Every day feels magical with him. Every day feels like pink.” – E

The bright morning sun streams through the kitchen windows, bathing everything in a lovely and warm glow. With a wide smile on my face I stand by the stove, feeling a sense of excitement in the air. Today is going to be a good day. The best day.

I can feel it.

Yesterday, I felt bad about myself, but today I woke up with a positive attitude of excitement and happiness filling my heart, thanks to the wonderful surprise Shaw gave me last night. I still can’t believe it. My mind struggles to process the fact that not only did he give me thoughtful gifts, but he also apologized and offered a truce for us to get along while I’m under his roof and care.

I thought it was a dream but no it was real.

My heart hasn’t calmed since that moment. I could barely sleep, eagerly awaiting morning so I could see him again.

That’s why I woke up earlier than him, showered, dressed quickly, and headed downstairs to surprise him with breakfast.

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