I stiffened, and turned to continue on my way but he was fast, stepping in front of me.
We stood there in silence, eyes locked, neither of us willing to be the first to look away. My gaze flicked over him—his jaw tight, his brows drawn—and I finally exhaled through my nose, folding my arms.
“So,” I said, voice dry, “are you just loitering dramatically, or is there an actual reason you’re blocking my path?”
He shifted. “I…” He hesitated, chin lifting slightly, like he needed the height to steady himself. “I wanted to talk.”
“I’m busy.”
“I can see that. Just, give me a minute.”
His voice was quieter now. Not commanding. Almost... unsure. That wasn’t like him. Callum never did anything without certainty.
He took a breath. “I’m sorry. For before. For hurting you.”
I blinked, caught of
