His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Dillon sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the cold air sting his lungs. Casper's heart pounded, his blood racing to his head. Struggling to steady his erratic breathing, he asked, "Which shopping mall will he go to?" "I... I don't know."

Falconridge had plenty of shopping malls, and Aaron hadn't mentioned the details to Nova. Casper dialed Eliza's number, but there was no answer. Panic started to creep in.

"Dillon, round up more people. I want every shopping mall searched now!"

"On it, Mr. Casper."

Casper snatched his coat and hurried out of the office, Dillon right behind him.

Meanwhile, in a modest-sized shopping mall in Falconridge, Eliza was in the toy section, helping Brock pick out his favorite toy car.

"Do you like this one?" she asked.

Brock clutched one car in each hand, torn between the two. "I want both."

"You can only pick one," Eliza gently reminded him.

Brock looked from one to the other, clearly torn. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, he let go of one. "I'll take this one."

she said,

over with two cups of iced tea, handing one to Eliza and the other to Brock. "Let's take a break. He's all sweaty

not often we get to enjoy a day out

about Aaron's intentions, especially after the recent string of incidents-from near-drownings to

smile was as gentle

been back in Falconridge for a while

each other. Honestly, I've missed you

doing fine," she said with a

be hard living with

away, leaving him looking a bit

with me," he said, a touch of sadness

known each other for years. I know what kind of person you are she said, not revealing whether she trusted or forgave

en

on that. There's an amusement park ahead. Let's take

out to pick up Brock, but the little boy nestled closer

is tired, and it's almost his nap time. Maybe it's

we'll