Ava’s POV
The question landed so heavy in my mind.
*Do you love me?*
The words hung in the narrow space between us, too large for the moment, too dangerous for the careful walls I had built around myself since arriving at the estate. My lips parted. I did not yet know what answer would come out—only that something needed to answer, even if it was only a confused breath. Before a single sound formed, he lifted one finger and placed it gently against my mouth, closing it with light pressure. The touch was soft, almost careful, but it carried the same confidence he had shown when he braced his hand on the wall beside my head. He shook his head once, a small movement, and then leaned in even closer. His lips moved toward mine, so near that I felt the warmth of his breath and the faint scent
