The tension between them was a living thing now, thick in the air as Luca and Elana stood in the library, neither willing to break the fragile silence. Finally, Luca stepped closer, his movements slow, deliberate—giving her every chance to pull away. She didn’t. She couldn’t. Her body was frozen in place, her heart hammering against her ribs as if trying to break free. “You don’t have to be afraid of me,” he said, voice rough. “I’m not afraid,” she lied. He smiled faintly, like he knew better. “Good. Because I’m not here to force anything, Elana. Not anymore.” The admission caught her off guard. Was this another strategy? Another game to lower her defenses? “Why the sudden change of heart?” she asked, folding her arms across her chest, guarding herself. “Because you’re not the girl I thought you were,” Luca answered without hesitation. “You’re stronger. Smarter. Braver.” “And that scares you?” “It terrifies me.” His honesty was disarming, and for a moment, Elana
Last Updated : 2025-05-01 Read more