Barely there.
But I feel it.
She doesn’t pull away.
Doesn’t move at all.
And suddenly the hallway feels too small.
Too tight.
Too charged.
“Jase…” she starts.
I step in closer.
Not fast.
Not aggressive.
Just… certain.
Her back hits the wall lightly.
Not trapped.
Never trapped.
But held there by something stronger than force.
By choice.
Her choice.
My hand slides from her wrist to her waist, steadying her—and maybe myself.
Hard to tell anymore.
“You activated that channel,” I murmur. “You put a target on your back the size of a damn continent.”
Her lips part slightly.
“I knew what I was doing.”
“I know you did.”
I lean in just enough that my forehead almost brushes hers.
“Doesn’t mean I’m letting you face it alone.”
Her breath mixes with mine.
Warm despite the cold.
“You don’t get to decide that,” she whispers.
A slow grin pulls at my mouth.
