Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2
Leather & Lark
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Chapter Fourteen: Retreat
Overview
Lachlan offers a sincere apology and surprises Lark with a weekend stay at a sleep retreat to address her insomnia. After an emotional exchange about trust and vows, Lark accepts the care and checks in. Lachlan departs, reinforcing boundaries and support, deepening their fragile partnership.
Summary
Lark exits Shoreview Assisted Living to find Lachlan waiting with his car. He apologizes for their first night—the trunk incident—and vows to earn forgiveness, not ask for it. Their banter softens the tension as he insists on a surprise destination.
Lachlan drives Lark to Rock Rose Lodge, a sleep retreat for insomnia, presenting a plan involving therapy and a specialist. Lark resists, worried about obligations and whether Lachlan is pushing her away. He stresses she needs time off and that he’ll handle check-ins with Ethel and work leads.
Fear and jealousy crack Lark’s composure, and she admits caring about Lachlan’s whereabouts. Lachlan reassures her he won’t break their vows despite their unconventional marriage. He frames the retreat as care, not a bribe, determined not to watch her burn out.
Lark accepts. Inside the lodge, she checks in while Lachlan stays nearby, protective but giving space. Before leaving, he embraces her, asks her to rest, and departs, leaving Lark moved and cautiously hopeful.
Who Appears
- LarkExhausted and guarded; confronts jealousy and fear, accepts care, and commits to a weekend sleep retreat.
- Lachlan KaneOffers a heartfelt apology; arranges the sleep retreat, reassures marital fidelity, and supports Lark before leaving.