Chapter 20

The international arrivals hall churned with people. Avery pushed her suitcase through the crowd. She wore a cream trench coat, her shoulders squared, and her expression unreadable. Three years had stripped away her softness and left her sharper and calmer, more stunning than ever and even farther out of reach. She had barely set foot back home when two groups closed in from opposite sides like sharks scenting blood, boxing her in at the exit corridor. Julian led the team on the left. His tailored suit fit like it was made for him. He was still strikingly handsome, but a tense urgency tugged at the space between his brows. He carried an armful of white calla lilies, the flowers of devotion and regret. He looked at her, his eyes heavy with regret, longing, and a possessiveness that refused to let go. "Avery, welcome home." He tried to keep his tone calm, but his low voice came out hoarse and tight. Jace led the right flank. He wore a bright coat, his hair carefully styled, but th