Cross’s gaze hardened as I spoke, but there was something else—something far too vulnerable beneath the surface. He took a step forward, his presence overwhelming in the small room, and my pulse quickened despite the anger still coursing through me.
"Nora..." His voice was softer now, almost pleading, but there was a raw edge to it.
“I can’t just let go, not like that. You can’t just tell me to walk away and pretend I don’t care. I did care. I do care." His words were tangled, like they were fighting to break free from something deep inside of him.
I swallowed hard, trying to control the tremble in my voice.
“Cross, don’t do this. You’re not going to guilt-trip me into believing you’re still... anything to me.” My eyes burned as I met his, refusing to look away.
He ran a hand throug
