6

She didn’t understand it yet, but that would come in time.

I wasn’t in a hurry.

The best things came with patience.

I would let her mind play tricks on her, let her thoughts circle back to me over and over until I was all she could think about.

I’d come back to the bookshop today, as I promised.

But this time, I wouldn’t leave without leaving my mark on her world.

16

MARIANA

I opened the shop later than usual, dragging my feet on the way in.

The nervous energy was still there, heavy in my chest.

I didn’t want to admit it, but I was waiting for him.

Watching the door out of the corner of my eye, pretending to be busy with the books but always listening for the sound of footsteps.

I told myself I was just being careful, that I was watching out for myself.

But deep down, I knew it wasn’t just that.

Part of me wanted him to come back, to see what he would say, to see if I could figure him out.

By mid-afternoon, I had convinced myself that maybe he wasn’t coming at all.

Maybe he had forgotten or changed his mind.

I tried to focus on the quiet rhythm of the day, but then the bell above the door rang, and I knew.

It was him.

I didn’t have to look to know.

His presence filled the room, casting a shadow over everything.

I felt my heart race as he approached the counter, and when I finally lifted my eyes to meet his, the world seemed to slow down.

He smiled that slow, deliberate smile.

“I told you I’d come back.”

I swallowed hard, nodding.

“You did.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t?” he asked, his voice low and smooth, the same calmness that had both unsettled and intrigued me.

“I wasn’t sure,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know why you came back.”

He leaned in just slightly, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

“I came back because I wasn’t done with you yet.”

The words sent a shiver down my spine, and I wasn’t sure if it was from fear or something else.

I didn’t know what he meant, but the way he said it made me feel like I was teetering on the edge of something dangerous, something I couldn’t walk away from.

17

AMIR

She was scared, but she was curious too.

I could see it in the way she leaned just a little closer, even though she was trying to keep her distance.

She was drawn to me, even if she didn’t want to admit it.

I liked that.

“I have something for you,” I said, watching her reaction carefully.

Her brow furrowed slightly, and I could see the questions forming in her mind.

She didn’t know whether to trust me, but she was too intrigued to pull away now.

“What is it?” she asked, her voice uncertain but curious.

I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out a small, ornate envelope, sliding it across the counter toward her.

She stared at it for a moment, her fingers hesitating before she finally picked it up.

“What is this?” she repeated, her eyes flickering up to meet mine again.

“It’s an invitation,” I said simply. “A way for you to understand more about me. About why I’ve been watching you.”

Her breath hitched slightly at my words, and I could see the conflict in her eyes.

She didn’t know if she should open it.

She didn’t know if she wanted to.

“You’re scared,” I said, my voice quiet but firm. “But you’re also curious. You want to know why I’m here, what I want from you.”

She didn’t deny it.

She couldn’t.

“I’ll give you answers,” I continued. “But only if you come to me.”

She stared at the envelope for a long moment, her fingers gripping it tightly, and I could almost see the battle playing out in her mind.

Part of her wanted to tear it open, to give in to the pull that was drawing her toward me.

The other part was still holding back, clinging to the safety of the life she knew.

But I knew which part would win.