He was taken aback by my statement.
“Bella…” His voice was low, cautious.
I knew I was making a risky decision, one that could shatter whatever tenuous line we were balancing on.
But I didn’t care.
For once, I wasn’t overthinking. I wasn’t rationalizing.
I was just… acting.
I reached up, my fingers brushing against the strong line of his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin under my palm. His pulse was steady, but I could sense the tension brewing beneath the surface.
His eyes locked onto mine, dark and questioning.
“What if… now… I want you?” I said, my voice trembling just enough to betray my nerves.
For a moment, he didn’t move. His gaze searched mine, as though trying to find the catch in my words, the lie. But there wasn’t one. Not this time. I wasn’t running or hiding anym
