Sam's POVSmoke drifted slowly, just like Ethan's words stayed there.“We need to talk, Sam. No more deflections.”Just past the doorway he stayed, lamplight slicing angles over his skin. Tension held his jaw firm, muscles coiled like wire beneath fabric. Staring - unblinking - not mad but searching instead. Wanting answers buried somewhere behind my silence. Need pulsed quiet under every breath.Thump thump went my heart, louder than I liked.It wasn’t sudden, that moment hanging between us. Days had fed it - his gaze lingering past comfort, my quiet exits to hidden talks, replies I shaped like glass, smooth and measured.Even though I saw it arriving, that changed nothing.Slowly, I pivoted away from the window, hands resting light on my ribs as if holding something back.Late already, I thought. Ethan, I began, steady on purpose, maybe it is time to.“Stop.” His voice landed hard, cutting t
Last Updated : 2026-04-11 Read more