Hebert's POV
It was Cecilia's voice.
That delicate, intoxicating atmosphere that belonged solely to me and Ashley was shattered, like a bubble popped by the sharp edge of her tone. It vanished entirely. I could almost hear the snap, like an invisible current running between us had been abruptly severed.
Ashley froze, her body stiffening. The hazy, dreamy look in her eyes faded in an instant, replaced by clarity and a flicker of embarrassment. She took a step back.
As for me? I was still caught in the moment.
I couldn't help but wonder—if that intrusive voice hadn't broken the spell, would things between us have already escalated? Damn it. All I intended was to soak my shirt a little, flaunt some muscle, and throw her off balance. Instead, I ended up losing control of mysel
