LIANA’S POV
The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the television. The dim light from the screen flickered across the living room, casting long shadows on the walls. My head felt heavy, my limbs sluggish, but it wasn’t just the alcohol making me feel this way—it was him.
Reed sat beside me, his presence overpowering even in silence. His scent, a mix of pine and something distinctly his, filled my lungs with every breath I took. I could feel his gaze on me, watching, waiting.
I had to leave.
I pushed myself up from the couch, the air around me suddenly feeling too thick, too charged. “Goodnight, Reed,” I whispered, my voice quieter than I intended. My body wasn’t listening to me, though, because every part of me wanted to stay.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned
