DIANA'S POV
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"Don't leave me again," AJ whispered, his lips continuing to brush against my neck.
This felt different than when Elijah touched me. All I had ever felt for Elijah was a wild arousal, but with AJ, it was different. It touched my heart in a way nothing ever had before.
How much I had needed this embrace. Reading Mother's journal had made me feel seen, loved, and held.
She might not be here, but her presence had washed over me, and AJ's embrace felt just like it.
"Diana." His voice was rough as he leaned back, and I noticed his red, swollen eyes. "Why did you go without letting me know?"
"I'm so sorry, AJ."
"It's my fault." He shut his eyes, still holding me close. "I should have slept next to you in the bed. I promise next time I will."
I took a deep breath and stepped back from him. 'Independence',Mother's words returned to me. What I needed was independence—learning how to stand on my own.
