Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Warmth spread through Kira’s heart. She had brought up her phobia to salvage her pride; she didn’t want Austyn to think she was chicken. If not for the thunderstorm, she could have taken care of herself tonight. She might not be able to overpower those two thugs, but at least she could outrun them. But every peal of thunder was like an Immobilisation Spell. It transfixed her. She thought Austyn was going to laugh at her—only six-year-olds were scared by thunder. But he didn’t. Instead, he said ‘I’ll be there for you,’ a phrase only slightly less potent than the most powerful three little words—‘I’m here.’ It made her heart swell with happiness. He had not looked down on her. She couldn’t help but smile. She almost leaned in and kissed him, but she stopped herself. Austyn meant well and his promise sounded sincere. But he didn’t know they would be divorced in a year. Once Kira moved out of the villa, she wouldn’t have him by her side when another thunderstorm hit. She would have to toug