Cody POV
Julia’s eyes flutter open, and hope and nervous anticipation churn in my chest. I can’t help but let my gaze linger on her lips, remembering how many times I’ve imagined this moment—just the two of us, with no one else to interfere. I move from my chair to the edge of the mattress, every step careful, my voice gentle.
“Julia,” I whisper, reaching out my hand to brush a strand of hair from her face. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. I’m here now. You’re safe with me. I’ve waited so long for this.” My hand trembles as it hovers near her cheek, desperate to touch but afraid of frightening her.
Her reaction, though, is not the one I’d fantasized. She recoils, pressing herself against the wall, her eyes wide with terror. “Please…” she whispers, her voice rough with fear. “Don’t.
