Focused.
“They’re not just watching us,” she says. “They’re playing a game.”
I step closer.
“So we stop playing.”
She looks at me—really looks.
“You’re not shutting me out,” she says.
Not a question.
A line drawn.
I exhale slowly.
“Not anymore.”
Her shoulders ease just slightly.
That matters more than it should.
I step in closer.
Close enough to feel the shift between us.
“You stay with me,” I say quietly.
Her voice softens. “I always do.”
Yeah.
She does.
And I’m starting to realize—
It’s not just about protecting her anymore.
It’s about trusting her.
That’s new.
And dangerous in a different way.
My hand lifts before I can stop it.
Brushes her cheek.
Just once.
Then I drop it.
Because this isn’t over.
Not even close.
Blaze clears his throat.
