Declan was really making progress repairing things; he'd even invited her to come to work with him. Even though he still hadn't given her a name to the place, or his employer, or coworkers. But she did want to work on trusting him more. And he worked at night, while she worked during the day; it was almost easier to set up that than a normal date. And now here they were, walking hand-in-hand down a street in the lamplight. Amara was both excited and nervous. Her tiredness from the day didn't really matter for the next few hours. She wasn't going to miss out on this."So, I get really snappy, critical, judgemental, and straight out cruel in my- the kitchen. It's stressful, hectic, rushing rushing rushing, and exhausting." Declan grinned and squeezed her hand. "It's also beautiful, spicy, serene, and the best place on earth. Sure you want to come? I am not at my best. The intensity is very heated."Amara nodded. "I- understand. Sometimes it can get like that in rehearLeylas, practice, a

"What do you mean you don't know if it's serious?" Asher asked over the video screen, the image freezing for a moment when his face was close to the screen."I mean exactly that!" Amara said just as emphatically."You've been going out for months," he began listing. "You've had arguments and at least one big fight that you both came back from—"One actual fight—"You're both working and still managing to find time for each other on a weekly basis," he continued. "You've been to his work—""Once.""I'm sure he'd take you again if you asked," Asher said, undeterred. "And, you both are normalizing.""What? No we're not.""It's becoming normal to see each other more than not, isn't it?""Maybe. Doesn't mean it happens more," she said petulantly."Doesn't mean you don't want it to," he argued back."Relationships work like that!""Yeah, but you're also not super bummed and bothering him all the time when you don't get to see him!""Because I know he has a life!" she argued back. "He works

They arrived at Declan's apartment and he closed the door behind them. "So, what do you want to eat?" he asked as he slipped his shoes off. Habit he'd acquired somewhere and it stuck with him. At least he'd had the sense to have his own apartment for that. Giovanni may pay him they money for it, but his name was on the lease. And it would stay that way, whether Giovanni was a mafia boss or not.Amara sighed as she slipped her own shoes off. "Hmm... something savory. Surprise me."Declan nodded, going through a list of possibilities in his head. "How do you feel about raw fish?"She raised her eyebrows, but didn't pull too much of a face. "Experimental. But up for it."Declan grinned. "Excellent. Now go take a shower or something; I'll cook." There were extra towels in the guest bedroom.Amara scoffed at him. "I'd have to get back into my dirty leotard if I showered!"Declan shook his head. "Guest room wardrobe."Amara raised her eyebrow."There's an outfit for you there."She switched

Declan woke up, eyes flashing open. His hands were free, legs free. He tried moving them but he was far, far too sore. He closed his eyes and groaned, leaning against a wall behind him. A bright light bounced off everywhere, making everything hurt to look at anyway. No point in opening them. [swear] what was wrong with him? Oh yes. He'd been electrified. Twice. Papa was going to be very proud. Declan winced. And Mal was either going to die or die trying to get him out. "Sorry Dad," Declan whispered in Arabic."Your Papa isn't here," Lucas replied from a chair in the farthest corner away.He opened his eyes again but made no other move. "We don't care about you so go away please. Oh, I do care about Amara. Where is she? Also, if I'm not home by curfew, my employer will murder someone. Or maybe a chicken. Mmm. If he threatens his bodyguard, I hope he lops that man's head off. That man is insufferable."Lucas laughed. "Amara is in an extra bedroom. She is a guest whereas you, my boy, ar

Lucas had wanted a performance from Amara and Declan, but hadn't let them see each other until the day before the performance. But then even that was put off because the guests decided to come two weeks later. Ridiculous. Thankfully, Lucas was finally letting them have time together. To plan for the performance. Whatever; it was time together. Declan hadn't seen Amara except in glances down hallways for two weeks now.Declan ran into her door, heedless of the security that had taken him there, banging hard until it opened and he crashed into the floor inside. "Amaraaaa," he sang, off key, looking around for her without moving up off the ground. She was in what looked like a literal dance studio, mirrors along one side partially covered with curtains, a hard floor... One corner had a rug with a bed and some nice furniture.Amara was suddenly at his side and hugging him in a moment, on the floor.Declan's arms wrapped around her waist, head burying in her hair. Safe. He was safe again,