“I didn’t steal it,” she whispers. “It was my loan. My name. My debt.”
“I understand,” I say.
Nova’s eyes widen slightly, like she didn’t expect understanding.
I lean forward a fraction, my voice lower. “You didn’t deserve any of that.”
Her lips part.
The room goes very still.
Nova looks like she might shatter.
And for one second, all I want is to get up, pull her into my arms, and keep her there until she believes she’s worth more than what some idiot said into a phone.
I don’t move.
I don’t touch her.
I should not touch her.
Because I won’t stop.
Nova whispers, “You don’t even know me.”
“I know enough,” I say, and my voice comes out raw.
Her eyes flick to my mouth.
My body reacts like it’s been waiting for permission.
Nova stands so fast her chair scrapes softly against the floor.
I stand too, not thinking.
And then she’s in front of me, close enough that I can feel heat rolling off her skin.
Her hands grip the hem of her shirt like she needs something to hold.
“Why are you being kind to me,” she asks, voice shaking. “You don’t have to. You bought me flowers. You cooked. You let me have your bed.”
I swallow hard.
Because if I answer honestly, I’ll say,because you looked at me like you needed someone and my body decided it was me.
Instead, I say the only safe truth I have. “Because you seemed like you needed it.”
Nova’s breath catches.
Her gaze drops to my mouth again.
I feel it like a pull.
Like gravity.
I should step back.
I don’t.
