Chapter 44. The Charity Auction Begins

Ezra’s POV

The air was crisp and sharp, bringing the city alive, its lights twinkling in promise. I stood outside Layla’s apartment building, glancing at my watch. The charity auction was fast approaching, and I had promised her a ride.

But while I waited, a familiar thrill took hold of my stomach. The same thrill that had been there ever since I had met her—that very first time I had seen a flash in her eyes that told me she could not just be the woman in front of me, but that she was capable of more, much more. She just needed to see it for herself.

Why was it so hard for me to articulate my thoughts about Layla? Articulation was my pride, control was my middle name, and conversing was a piece of cake with me. But with her? There I’d be fumbling with my thoughts, trying to chase the words before they slipped away.

The door swung open, and in she walked—Layla.

I stood frozen for a moment, utterly stunned by her appearance. She was arresting, and