Everything froze at that moment. The world around them faded into silence, like time itself was holding its breath. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her mind stayed sharp. She knew she had to act quickly, yet not send the wrong message.
She looked up and locked eyes with him, her gaze steady but unreadable. Slowly, she reached out, her index finger brushing gently across his lips.
“Not so fast,” she whispered, her voice low and teasing, laced with a warning.
Her hand slid down, grazing his chest, feeling the tension coiled beneath his shirt. For a second, his breath hitched.
She took a step back, turning slightly as if to walk away.
But before she could take another step, he caught her wrist. His grip was firm but not forceful.
“Don’t walk away from me,” he said, his voice husky.
