The silence between us felt heavier than any words could have. Ryder’s proximity made it impossible to think straight, his scent—a mix of cedarwood and something darker, intoxicating—filling the air. My breath hitched as his gaze roamed my face, lingering on my trembling lips.
“Amara,” he whispered, his voice a velvet murmur. “Say it. Tell me you don’t feel this.”
“I…” My words caught in my throat. How could I deny it when my heart betrayed me with every erratic beat?
“No?” Ryder tilted his head, a ghost of a smirk curling his lips. But there was no humor in his eyes—only a desperate intensity that made me feel exposed.
“I hate you,” I finally managed, though even to my ears, the words sounded hollow.
“Liar.” He closed the gap between us, his hand brushing my cheek. His touc
