"Why are we sitting on the floor?" I mutter.
"It makes it less awkward."
"What?"
"Don’t talk," he cuts in. "Just listen."
Before I can react, his hands wrap around my calves and he drags me closer. Too close, actually.
He settles back on his hands, legs open, and I end up right between them.
Face to face. Almost nose to nose.
I’m going to literally drop dead from tachycardia at twenty-two. There’s no way this is medically safe.
"If you want this fake-couple shit to work," he says calmly, "so your little ex gets jealous?" He tilts his head, keeping his eyes glued on me. "Then you need to get used to me."
My skin burns. Everywhere.
"You need to be this close without running to the bathroom every five minutes," he adds. "Otherwise we’re both gonna look stupid."
Unfortunately... he’s right.
And I hate that he’s right. And I hate that it makes sense.
I nod once. He grabs my waist, and pulls me even closer. Right between his legs.
He leans forward slowly. Our noses almost touch.
He’s calm. I don’t know how. He’s calm like this is nothing.
Me? I’m seconds away from evaporating. His voice drops. "We’re gonna do exactly what I say," he murmurs, "until you can look at me without turning pale like you’re being held hostage."
I swallow. Hard. He smirks because he hears it. Then he lifts his chin just a little, eyes locked on mine.
"Stare at me."
My breath catches.
"Prove it," he says, leaning in until our lips are a breath apart. "Prove you’re not the weak little kid anymore."
I look at him even though it’s killing me.
He hit a nerve. A deep one.
Fine. He wants proof? He’ll get it. I lock my eyes on his, and I refuse to look away. My jaw tightens. I stare back.
He lifts a brow, impressed. "Good... don’t look away."
I don’t. Not for a second. I won’t let him win. I won’t let her win either.
I force my body to relax, even though every bone in me is vibrating. I lean forward, closing the space he leaves between us.
He notices immediately. "See?" he murmurs.
"You’re already better."
Yeah... no. Disagree. My heart is slamming so hard against my ribs. It probably thinks I’m being chased by a wild animal.
