The phone rang abruptly.

Luna Valentine extracted herself from Shane Prescott's embrace, reaching for the device on the nightstand.

"Mother" flashed across the screen.

The haze in her eyes dissipated instantly.

Shane rolled off the bed and walked to the desk, pulling open a drawer.

He retrieved a warm yellow bulb and stepped onto a chair to replace the existing one.

Soft light cascaded over Luna's figure.

Her military-green trench coat accentuated her slender waist, while her graceful neck glowed under the new illumination.

Shane's Adam's apple bobbed.

The lingering sensation of her taut waist and smooth skin still burned in his palms.

He moved behind Luna, encircling her waist with his arms.

Even through the fabric, he could feel her body heat.

"Mom." Luna answered with clear sobriety.

Gwendolyn Valentine's stern voice crackled through the receiver. "Come home immediately."

"I'm at a friend's place."

"What friend requires midnight visits?" Gwendolyn's tone sharpened. "That Shane has too much baggage. He's not right for you."

Luna's fingers tightened slightly.

"He's a good man."

"Good how?" Gwendolyn's voice rose. "A tomb raider with no prospects? End this nonsense now!"

Shane's arms stiffened.

Luna felt the shift in his posture.

She turned to face him, meeting his gaze directly. "I love him."

Three simple words that sent Shane's heart lurching.

Gwendolyn sighed through the phone. "You'll regret this."

"That's my choice to make."

After hanging up, Luna traced Shane's tense jawline.

"Don't mind her."

Shane grasped her wrist, voice gravelly. "I'll prove myself to your parents."

Footsteps suddenly echoed in the courtyard.

They moved to the window, spotting Audrey Sullivan and Victor Sullivan beneath the pomegranate tree.

Victor's piercing gaze swept over Luna with appraisal.

"So this is Ms. Valentine?"

Shane frowned, instinctively shielding Luna behind him.

Victor offered a practiced smile. "Shane saved our family. We'll ensure his wedding is spectacular."

Luna arched a brow. "That's premature, Mr. Sullivan. We've only dated a month."

"Any relationship without marriage as the goal is irresponsible." Victor stated matter-of-factly.

Audrey rolled her eyes dramatically.

"We should leave." Luna told Shane.

Victor stepped forward abruptly. "What does your family do, Ms. Valentine?"

The air turned frigid.

Shane's eyes chilled. "That's irrelevant."

During the car ride back, Victor prattled on.

"That girl has calculating eyes. She'll be trouble."

Audrey finally snapped. "Enough!"

Victor sheepishly rubbed his nose.

He attempted to hold Audrey's hand, only to have it slapped away.

"One more move and you're walking home."

Victor withdrew but inched closer to her nonetheless.

Under the night sky, two cars traveled toward the city in tandem.

Shane gripped the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on Luna's vehicle ahead.

His mother's words sat heavily in his chest.

Yet Luna's declaration kept his heart aflame.

This man who'd once danced with death now fretted like an inexperienced boy.