Dax’s POV)
The problem with Ken’s advice was that it made sense.
And I hated when he made sense.
He told me to ease off, to stop charging at Elena like she was prey I’d already claimed. If you want her to stay, you can’t keep scaring her into corners, brother, he said. Try being… human about it.
Human.
The word tasted bitter. But for her, I’d try.
So I reined myself in.
I pulled out her chair when she sat. Poured her wine instead of snapping for a server. Asked about her day, and for once, actually let her finish her sentences.
And it worked.
Her cheeks turned pink every time my gaze lingered too long. Her voice tripped over itself, and she fiddled with her fork like it was suddenly fascinating.
She didn’t realize that I noticed everything. The way her pulse
