Elena's POV:
I felt his fingers reach for mine and then curled around mine, like it was the most natural thing to do...
My heart stuttered.
My breath left me in a quiet, startled rush as his hand closed around mine, warm and strong, thumb brushing once across my knuckles like he was checking—asking—before deciding not to let go.
He glanced at me. Just a look. Soft. Intent. Heart stopping. Something unguarded flickering in his eyes as he studied me, and then found my half-smile answer enough.
Did I just die?
No. No, I think I died and then somehow came back alive... or went to heaven? I didn't know...
I stared at him like I’d forgotten how to look away, how to blink. I couldn't blink. I couldn't stop for a moment to not look.
He had a little smile on his lips. A smirk. Mischievou
