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If only I could make a living from my art. That’s always been a pipe dream, though. No, I’ll find a way to put my law degree to use in Rosella Bay. Job opportunities might be more limited than Sydney, but they exist. I’ll find something.

I finally get a few hours of deeper sleep when Luke rolls over and flings his arm around me, holding me close. When I wake, my mind is completely made up.

TWENTY FIVE

Mia

We’re up before the sun and stuffing our overnight things back into bags. I text Tegan and tell her what I’m doing, since I can’t even tell from the quiet in the apartment if she made it home at all last night.

I’m too nervous to eat breakfast, so I just brush my teeth, throw my toothbrush in my bag, and we head to the apartment I used to call home. I’m dreading a confrontation if Oliver is home, but to my profound relief, when I unlock the door to let us in, there’s no sign of him.

I breathe out a long sigh, and Luke’s warm palm rubs the small of my back. “You good, babe?”

“Yeah.” When I look back, he’s looking past me, taking in the apartment. I can’t blame him. In his position, I’d be doing the same. When I lead him through into the bedroom to pack, I can’t help seeing it with fresh eyes, too.

I’ve always hated the pale blinds that let too much of the morning light in, and the king-sized bed that feels too big. All things Oliver insisted were must haves.

I pull clothes from the closet, hastily stuffing them into the two large suitcases I have, mentally listing the things I should take with me now, and what I can return for another time. I’d like to take everything with me, so there’s no need to come back, but that’s not practical. We have to be in Rosella Bay as soon as we can so we can track down Margaret.

Luke wanders in, eyes still on the walls. “Want me to help?”

I shake my head. “I’m still not sure what I want. Can you check the cupboard and see if there’s any food we can take?”

He leaves the bedroom while I’m still packing. I move onto my shoes and jewellery, which doesn’t take me long.

Luke comes back through the door, just as I’m trying to drag one full and heavy bag out to the living room. Of course, he stops me. He takes the bag, but instead of carrying it out, he sets it aside. “Mia, there’s none of your art on the walls.”

I blink up at him. “Oh, I guess there’s not. I never really painted anything good enough.”

He plants his hands on his hips and frowns down at me. “Good enough according to you, or according to him?”

I don’t answer the question. I don’t have to. I can read from his expression, he already knows my answer.

He shakes his head sadly. “This place. It’s all wrong. It’s not you. Where do you paint?”

I shrug. “I haven’t for ages. But when I used to, I’d set up in the window in the living room.”

Another shake of his head. My gaze drops to where his hand is fisted at his side. Then back to where his jaw is tight and his shoulders tense.

“What’s wrong?” I take a step closer. “I can be quicker if you just want to get going?”

Suddenly, he pulls me against him and kisses me fiercely. I’m surprised, but it only takes me a moment to melt into it.

When Luke pulls back, his breathing has quickened. “Did he ever really see you at all? I hope one day he realises how much he fucking stifled you.”

I stare up at him, stunned by how much anger and need fills his tone.

“It’s done now.” It’s the only thing I can think of to say.

He breathes out heavily. “It’s not, though, is it? Not until I rectify every way he underestimated you. Until I give you every fucking thing he didn’t.”

I gasp when he drops to his knees and pushes up the hem of the navy jumper dress I’m wearing until it reaches my panties.

“Starting here.” He hooks his thumbs into the panties and tugs them slowly down my legs.

My pussy floods instantly with awareness. I watch speechless as he draws my panties down my legs until I can step out of them.

When his gaze returns to mine, so much heat and possessiveness fills his expression I’m in danger of moisture actually trickling down my thigh. God, the raw need in his eyes! His rough fingertips light up every nerve as he runs his hands back up my naked legs.

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