Prologue
He walked aimlessly, uncertain of where his feet carried him. Yet, as always, they brought him to the same place. Outside the bookstore. Watching. Waiting.
Most nights, he found himself here, staring through the glass as she worked. Emma never noticed him, her attention caught in the rhythm of her tasks or her conversations with that friend of hers – Robyn. And that was fine. He doesn’t need her to notice him. Not yet. If she ever did, he could explain it away – a coincidence, nothing more – or perhaps use it as the opportunity to get closer. The thought of being caught doesn’t bother him. Not when the reward is her.
She stands behind the counter, her elbows resting on its edge, cradling her face in one hand as she chats with Robyn. The smile she wears is dazzling, so vibrant that it makes his chest ache. He can’t help but smile too. Her golden-brown hair is tied back in a low ponytail, loose strands curling around her face. The dim lights above cast a soft glow, catching on the lighter streaks in her hair and forming a halo around her. She looks angelic. Perfect.
Still, he prefers her hair down. Likes it when the thick strands fall around her shoulders, carefree and radiant. But even now, she’s beautiful. She could wear anything – do anything – and she’d still be the most extraordinary person he’d ever seen.
He glances down at the book in his hands, flipping through its pages. Between the Lines. Her debut. A masterpiece. It’s a shame it hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves, but that would change soon. He’ll make sure of it. He’ll ensure the world sees her brilliance, just as he does. All he wants is for her to be happy, to have everything she’s ever dreamed of. If he has to be the one to make it happen, so be it.
His eyes lift back to her, and his smile falters. She’s wearing a new top tonight – a low-cut black shirt with long, mesh sleeves. He doesn’t like it. The neckline reveals too much, the curve of her collarbone and the swell of her chest on display for everyone to see. It makes him uneasy, knowing strangers could look at her like that, imagining things they have no right to. That part of her should be reserved. For him. Only him.
If only she knew how much he loves her. How much he wants to make everything better for her. He would, soon enough. Her life will be perfect, and she’ll have him to thank for it.
His pulse accelerates at the thought. Soon, he won’t have to watch from a distance. Soon, she’ll understand. He feels a rush of exhilaration, a current of electricity coursing through him, igniting every nerve. He can almost see it now – her gratitude, her happiness. He will give her everything, and she’ll finally see him the way he has always seen her.
Emma tips her head back, laughing at something Robyn said. The sound, even through glass, is warm, unguarded. It tightens something deep in his chest. He wants to be the one to make her laugh. He wants to be the one she turns to, the one she trusts and relies on. She deserves someone who understands her, someone who sees her for what she truly is: extraordinary. And he is the only one who can do that. The only one who would.
He turns back to her book, skimming the opening chapter. The scene she’d written is vivid, meticulous, perfect in its darkness. It’s art. She’s an artist, and in no time, the world will see it too.
Without hesitation, he closes the book and stands. It’s time to act. Time to find his muse. The plan has to be executed flawlessly, just like the scenes in her book. Everything needs to align perfectly – no mistakes, no deviations. Emma has to understand that this is for her. Even if she doesn’t know it’s from him yet, she’ll realize eventually.
His excitement grows as he walks, the thrill of purpose propelling him forward. His thoughts spin with anticipation, each one feeding into the next. Soon, he spots her: a woman with hair the same golden-brown as Emma’s, though not quite as vibrant. She’s taller, curvier, but it doesn’t matter. She will do. She’ll be the start.
His hands tremble, his pulse thrumming so loud he can feel it in his throat. This is it. This is everything he’d been waiting for. His heart swells with purpose, the words Emma had written echoing in his mind. She has given him life, given him meaning. Now, it’s his turn to create something for her.
For Emma. Always for Emma.
