EMBER'S POV
"Rafael—"
"I'm not asking you to choose right now." He steps closer. Close enough that I catch his warmth, his scent. "I'm telling you that when this ends, I'll be waiting." His eyes hold mine, intense and very alive. "Very patiently."
My heart is slamming against my ribs.
I should feel flattered. Or frightened. Or something other than this treacherous heat spreading through my chest.
But I think of Knox. Of his hands on me this morning. Of the way he looked at me under the northern lights. Whatever we have—arrangement or not—I'm not ready to betray it.
I look down at the rose in my hand. Then I hold it out to him.
"I can't accept this."
Rafael doesn't take it. His eyes search my face.
"Ember—"
"I mean it." I press the rose against his chest until he has no choice but
