The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella immediately noticed something was off and leaned in, concern etched across her face. "Joshua, are you alright?"

He rubbed his aching temples, his voice barely above a whisper. "...It's nothing. Just a headache, that's all."

She didn't look convinced. "Are you sure? You really don't look well."

Joshua gave a faint nod, but the pallor of his skin was alarming-he looked more fragile than she'd ever seen him, even after the car accident. Now, he seemed as though the slightest touch might break him.

He met her gaze, his eyes serious. "Everything that happened today was my fault. There were a lot of witnesses who saw me start the fight. If you hand me over, Gibson won't give you too much trouble."

Stella's brows knit together. "Joshua, what are you saying?"

He cut her off gently. "Star, let me finish."

He held her in a steady, unwavering stare.

on anyone yourself, so Gibson wouldn't dare do anything to you. But if you keep standing by me, you'll be dragged into all sorts of trouble. Gibson won't let me off the hook-he'll hunt me down, and you'll be caught up in it too. I can take care of

"And if I did hand you over to Gibson, what if they kill you right in front

I killed his son. There's

There's every chance they will.

"But if you stay

faced this kind of threat more times than I can count. Should I just abandon you next time, too, and see if I can survive on my

ever. "Protecting

making sure my employees don't take the fall alone is part of

stared at her, momentarily speechless. Then, unexpectedly, a faint smile tugged

"I get it."

maybe he wouldn't have blamed her. But the fact that she stayed, he couldn't deny, sent a quiet thrill

meant by

they found a run-down motel-if it could ever be called

tangled