Chapter 43

Darius

I hadn’t intended to run into her here. In fact, the supermarket was the last place I expected to find someone like her.

Hell, I didn't even know what I was actually doing here, aside from the fact that I initially wanted an energy drink.

But there she was.

Alaria.

Hair pulled back into a loose braid, no trace of makeup on her face, a quiet focus to her as she pushed the cart forward. She was studying labels like they held secrets, like she needed to know every detail before making a decision.

She didn’t notice me at first. She reached for something on the top shelf, arms stretched up, fingers brushing the edge of the box, but not quite reaching it. She stepped onto the tips of her toes, still too short. I smirked, the woman catching my attention in a way that she shouldn't have, at least in my opinion.

I was beside her before I had time to think about what I was doing.

“Let me,” I said smoothly.

“O