**Elena**
“I’m sorry about last time,” he said quietly, brushing his thumb across the back of my hand.
My breath caught. What did he mean?
“Last time…?” I asked.
He didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his grip on my hands, like he was afraid I’d run.
“Yes.” His voice was low, deep. “I shouldn’t have reacted like I did. Storming out… yelling… I had no right.”
I frowned, swallowing hard. What was he trying to say?
“What are you talking–” I started, but he shook his head sharply, cutting me off.
“No words. Just listen to me.”
I felt my knees wobble, The warmth of his hands was the only thing holding me in place.
“Helena.” He spoke slowly, “These few weeks together… they’ve changed everything for me. I didn’t expect to feel like this. To want this.”
He drew in a long breath, like
