Page 127 of This Life of Mine

That we were sleeping when it happened.

That danger slipped into my house without knocking.

That Alex didn’tstay the night—he stood between me and something meant to end me.

Val leans against the counter, fully invested. “About what?”

“Everything,” I say. “Our pasts. The ugly parts. The things we never say out loud on first—or second dates.” I pause. “I told him things I don’t usually tell anyone.”

I don’t tell her how carefully I edit that truth.

How I skip the parts that would change the way she perceives me.

“And he listened,” Val says, already knowing.

“Yes,” I say softly. “Really listened.”

She smiles, slow and knowing. “That’s a very dangerous thing, Lina.”

I swallow.You have no idea.

“I’m aware.”

“So,” she says, grin returning, “was he good in the…kitchen?”

“Oh, he wasverygood in the kitchen.”

“High praise,” she says, giggling.

“And he cleaned up after himself.” I add.

Val gasps. “Oh no. That’s how they get you.”

I laugh, but my chest squeezes tight.

Because I can’t tell her why he’s actually here. Why this small town isn’t a coincidence. Why I’m not only the woman he’s falling for—but the reason he was sent.

“It’s still early,” I add quickly. “We’re not putting labels on anything. We’re just…seeing where it goes.”

What I don’t say:as long as we’re allowed to.

“But,” she presses gently, “you feel something.”

I hesitate—then nod. “Yeah. I do. And that’s the part that caught me off guard.”

She studies my face. “Good caught off guard or ‘should I panic’ caught off guard?”

“Good,” I say. “Unexpected, but good.”

Val smiles, satisfied. “I want every detail.”

“You’re not getting every detail.”

“I will settle for most.”

“You’ll get highlights.”

She sighs dramatically. “Fine. But I’m saying it now—if this man made you talk instead of deflect, he’s already done something right.”