The silence that followed our agreement felt less tense, but the space between us remained heavy with everything we hadn't yet said. Sebastian slowly lowered his hand when he saw I wasn't taking it, but there wasn't a hint of frustration on his face; he seemed to accept that every inch he gained from me from now on would have to be on my own terms. He turned and walked toward the small, integrated kitchenette of the suite. His steps were a little slower than usual due to his physical discomfort, but he tried hard to maintain his composure. "The doctor prescribed Turkish herbal tea for my throat," he said, his voice rasping and cracking, a reminder of the severity of his cold. "Marcus brought plenty of hot water. Would you like a cup? It's caffeine-free; I know you have to be careful with

