Gut.
Punch.
I step closer until she has to tilt her chin to meet my eyes.
“Then I fucked up,” I say, barely above a whisper.“Because the one thing I never want you to feel again is unwanted.Because the truth is, I never wanted anyone the way I want you.”
Her breath stutters.
I reach out slowly—slow enough for her to pull away if she wants.
She doesn’t.
My fingers brush her cheek.
“Let me show you the rest of the song,” I murmur.“Let me show you everything I’ve been scared to say.”
Her lashes flutter.“Nathan, you don’t have to.”
“Yes, I do.Because I’m yours, Sparky,” I whisper.“I’ve always been yours.”
Silence.
Then she says very softly, “Okay, I’m ready to listen.Show me.”
ChapterThirty-Three
Adrianna
The moment Nathan whispers,“I’ve always been yours,” something inside me breaks.
Not painfully.
Not violently.
But like a lock finally clicking open after years of rust and stubbornness.
And then he starts to play.
Softly at first.Barely more than a breath against the air.
The chords rise—gentle, tentative, then fuller, richer—until the melody blooms, filling the studio like warm light.
I swear I’ve heard it before.
Not with my ears.
With my heart.
Because this?
This is the sound that swells inside me every time he touches me.Every time he looks at me like I’m the beginning and end of every journey he’s ever taken.
Our song.
It’s our song.
Then he sings.
