Chapter 160

Ariella Rios walked briskly to the door, pulled back the bolt, and stood waiting—for Lucian Sterling, the man she’d missed like crazy. Lucian didn’t keep her waiting long. With a few quick steps, he was up the stairs and standing right in front of her. They just stared at each other. Neither spoke, just taking the other in like they were trying to memorize each other's face. It had only been a bit over a week, but it felt like forever. Lucian’s eyes scanned her, from the top of her head down to her feet. Her complexion was better—not as pale as before. She looked a little stronger standing there, and that helped ease the tight knot in his chest. Ariella was checking him out too. He didn’t have his usual scruff, but he definitely looked more tired than before. She could tell he hadn’t been sleeping well. Was it because he missed her that much? Reaching up on tiptoes, she cupped his face gently in her hands. This face, impossibly handsome, was the one that haunted her dreams. “Baby,” Luc