Light filters through the cracks in the wood.
We don’t move.
We don’t breathe.
We definitely don’t acknowledge the fact that this is… familiar.
Uncomfortably familiar.
I lower my voice.
“Don’t move.”
“Wasn’t planning on it,” she whispers.
Her breath ghosts across my throat.
That’s new.
That’s—
Not helpful.
Focus.
I angle slightly, trying to give her space.
There isn’t any.
My hand ends up braced beside her head.
Her fingers tighten on my sleeve.
Not pushing me away.
Just—
There.
I look down.
Big mistake.
Her eyes are already on me.
Dark. Sharp.
And not nearly as unaffected as she’d like.
Yeah.
Same problem.
“Still think I should’ve stayed out of this?” I murmur.
“Yes,” she says immediately.
Then, softer—almost under her breath—
