Chapter 27 — Soft, Intense & Heated
The fire had burned down to a low, steady glow, filling the cabin with a warmth that felt almost alive. Emery stood near the hearth, her fingers brushing the edge of the mantle, trying to steady the rush of emotion still moving through her. The room felt different tonight — quieter, deeper, charged with something she couldn’t name.
Brent stepped toward her slowly, as if giving her time to stop him. She didn’t.
“Emery,” he said softly, voice warm enough to melt the last of her defenses, “look at me.”
She did — and the moment their eyes met, the air shifted. His expression wasn’t hungry or rushed. It was reverent. Intentional. Like he was memorizing her.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just long enough
