Page 11 of Risks

I yelp when strong arms encircle me,but my skin heats up from the familiar feel of his body and his stimulatingscent.

“Varen!” I giggle in pure delightand turn abruptly.

He presses an eager kiss on my lips.

“There you are,” he says afterward. “Welcomehome, baby.”

I snuggle into him as he wraps me inthe safety of his arms and kisses my forehead.

“It’s so nice to be home,” I sputterhappily.

He squeezes a little more beforereleasing me. “Come on.” He takes my suitcase.

“Are we going to the apartment first?”I ask, holding on to his arm as we exit the airport into the cold Baltimoreweather.

Varen groans. “I promised everyonewe’d go there first for dinner.”

I puff out my lips in a playful pout.“All right. I do miss them. Is Ali here yet?”

“Yeah, sis arrived two hours beforeyou.”

We kiss again after getting in thecar. I miss him so much. His surprise visit to L.A. was truly sweet but notenough to tame the fire of longing.

I want to spend the short breakimmersed in Varen until I’ve consumed enough to carry me through the weeks beforeChristmas.

Reaching our parents’ new home, Imarvel at the modern design and how much they’ve downscaled.

I’m unable to see the place entirelyin the cloak of night. I bet it looks beautiful during the days, especiallysince it’s by the water.

Varen and I are all smiles as weexit the car, holding hands for the walk up to the front door.

He knocks before entering the house.

“We’re here!” he announces, settingmy suitcase in the entry.

“Mom,” I bellow, excited to see her.

It’s great that we’ve spoken a lotsince I’ve been away at college, and I feel at peace that our relationship ismending.

Our steps come to a halt in the widedoorway of the living room.

The air feels thick with tension.

Something’s wrong.

Alison glances at us with a sadexpression and hugs herself, shifting in the spot.

Daniel is beside Mom on the whitesofa, gently rubbing her back. She’s sniffing and trembling.

“What’s going on?” Varen beats me toit.

“Mom?” I walk around the sofa andlower at her other side. “What happened?”

She’s staring at the large area rugwith tears running down her sorrowful face.

I look at Daniel.

He frowns.

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