Kate gently ran her fingers over the coat she had given him so many years ago. Bastien had kept it like a treasure. The photo inside was faded with time. A little further down, she spotted a small box. She opened it—and inside were pictures of her. From high school. Notes were written on the back.“My Kitty in high school…”“My Kitty receiving her art award…”“My Kitty on her first day of college…”“My Kitty, best student award…”Then there was a photo of her kissing her boyfriend. That one had nothing written behind it.—How long have you been watching over me, Bastien? Why didn’t you ever speak to me? Why did you keep this disgusting secret?Kate put the photos back where they belonged and found a small velvet box. She opened it. Inside, two matching pendants—each with a "K" and a "B". One plain, one studded with pink stones. A couple’s set.Her eyes welled with tears. She closed the box, put everything back, and rushed downstairs. Lucca was already on his way up.—Miss…—How’s Bast

Kate rushed into her room, her heart racing like a runaway horse. She touched her lips—the warmth of Bastien’s breath still lingered on them.—God… —she whispered—. I can’t do this. I have a boyfriend. I love my boyfriend. He must be missing me right now… I can’t abandon him, especially not for the man who kidnapped me. But that man is Bastien… my first love! Aaaah! This is insane! What do I do? What do I do? I… I… why is this so difficult!!She was breathing fast, trying to find clarity amid the chaos in her heart. She did what she always did when she needed to clear her mind—she jumped into the shower. Letting the water fall over her head, her thoughts spun at a thousand miles per hour, and her heart pounded so hard it echoed in her throat.—I have a boyfriend. He loves me. He’s been the best boyfriend in the world. I can’t do this to him. What would he think? “Oh, Sebastián, sorry—I fell for my kidnapper, the one who raped me and took my virginity.” That sounds stupid… even for a n

—"No..." —Bastien took her hand and pulled her into his arms—. "Tell me, Kitty... what were you going to say?"—"I don’t want to lose you again, Bastien. I missed you too. I looked for you online, but I could never find you. I don’t want to lose you again..." —Kate looked into his amber eyes, speaking straight from her heart.Bastien leaned in toward her lips and whispered her name:—"My sweet Kitty..."Kate, feeling his minty breath and the warmth of his body, felt sparks ignite on her skin. Butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach. She had never felt this way with her boyfriend. She closed her eyes and let Bastien take her mouth. Even though it wasn’t her first kiss, his lips felt sweet, soft, and warm. His tongue asked for permission to enter, and Kate didn’t hesitate to grant it. Bastien’s hand rested on her cheek, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Kate’s heart pounded so hard it echoed in her head, just like Bastien’s. They slowly pulled apart, and he rested his fore

—Bastien…—Mmm?—Does it hurt?—What?—What do you think? —Kate replied with sarcasm—. Your wound.—God, I love your sarcasm. No, it doesn’t hurt that much. It’s more of an annoyance.Bastien lay back and stared at the ceiling, just like Kate. The two of them were lying in bed, side by side, looking up in silence. Then Bastien smiled.—What’s so funny? —Kate asked.—Do you remember when you punched Richard? You hit him because he pushed me.—Hahaha! He was an idiot. He tried to steal the cookies I gave you to take home. I hated that fat jerk.—Yeah, that day I fell hopelessly in love with you. You were a little beast, fists flying and pulling hair. Poor guy never stood a chance.—Back then, you were small and skinny. I was stronger than you.—Things have changed. Now I’m stronger. I could throw you over my shoulder and spank you.—Ha! Very funny.—I have to admit, I enjoyed that moment a lot. You’re so rebellious—always have been. I remember when your dad asked you not to invite me ov

She left Bastien’s room and went to hers. She grabbed some pajamas—it was too hot for long ones, so she put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. After doing her night routine, she returned. Bastien was reading some documents when he saw her enter. Kate got into bed, and he set the papers aside and looked at her.—“Tomorrow we leave at noon. Try to get some rest,” Bastien said, kissing her forehead.They both got comfortable and turned off the lights. Kate fell asleep, but in the middle of the night, strange sounds woke her. She turned on the lamp and realized Bastien was having a nightmare. He was sweating, his face tense.—“Kate… Kate… run… don’t hurt her… Kate… run, please don’t…”—“Bastien, Bastien, wake up!” Kate tapped his face gently.Bastien opened his eyes, alarmed. When he saw her, he pulled her into a tight embrace, and she fell on top of his chest.—“Just stay like this a moment, please…”Seeing his distress, Kate hugged him.—“It’s okay, I’m here. I’m not leaving. Just breat