Talia’s POV
The moment I stepped into my room, I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to breathe. My skin was still crawling from the encounter in the rose garden. Nolan's eyes, his voice, the restrained force behind his words put me on edge.
He was dangerous. No matter how calm he tried to appear, the truth was in his eyes with every glare. There was no warmth, no kindness in him.
I crossed the room to the bed and sat on the edge. My hands were trembling slightly, so I began rubbing them. No, I couldn’t afford to be afraid. Nolan was just messing with my head. I wouldn’t let him get to me.
I reached for my phone and froze. Over a dozen missed calls, mostly from one person: Jason.
I rolled my eyes. Here he came again?
He had sent multiple messages like crazy. Each more agitated than the last. I hated to admit that I found some satisfaction in his distress. However, the most recent message wiped the smile off my face.
Talia, it’s urgent. Meet me at the Breeze Café in Fangvale, please.
Why? What could he possibly have to say after he already screamed at me through the phone days ago?
“Talia?” Della’s voice came from the hallway after a light knock. “Everything okay?”
I opened the door, and she stepped inside, already eyeing my phone with suspicion. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Jason,” I admitted. “He wants to meet at a café in Fangvale. He said it’s urgent.”
Della’s expression darkened instantly. “You’re not actually considering it, are you? You said it yourself that you’re done with him.”
“I am. But if meeting him one last time means he’ll leave me alone for good, then it’s worth it.”
She crossed her arms. “Fine. I’m coming with you.”
The café in Fangvale was cozy but quiet. It sat nestled between two shops, and despite the peaceful ambiance, the moment I walked in, I already knew this was going to be a waste of time.
Jason was already there. He was leaning back like he had nothing to worry about. Jason smiled at me when he saw me, but his smile quickly turned into a frown when he saw Della walk in behind me.
“So much for this meeting being urgent,” Della muttered. “He looks like he’s having an enjoyable brunch with his whore.”
Viki sat beside Jason. Her hands were folded over her small bump. She smiled as well, but her eyes were full of fury.
“Talia,” Jason greeted, standing like nothing had happened between us. “Thanks for coming.”
I said nothing as I sat across from them. Della sat down next to me.
“I was hoping to speak with you alone,” Jason said.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason)