Ryder's POV
I froze.
She was standing now, her hands at her sides, her eyes soft but guarded. “I don’t know if I can forgive you. But I’m willing to listen... if you really want to prove it.”
I didn’t know what I had expected, but it wasn’t this.
I turned back to face her, my heart leaping in my chest. “I’ll do whatever it takes, Amara. You have my word.”
And this time, when I said it, I meant it.
I stepped closer, the air around us thick with unsaid words. Her eyes flickered to my hand, and for a moment, I thought she might pull away. But she didn’t. Instead, she stood still, her chest rising and falling with each breath, her body frozen like she was trying to decide what to do next. I took the chance. Slowly, I reached for her hand, my fingers brushing against hers, tentati
