ements efficient and detached. He would go to the guest room, or perhaps drive back to his estate in Greenw

ords echoed in her mind, a relentless, cruel mantra. The game is over. A panic she h

But her heart, that foolish, traitorous organ, refused to listen. She couldn't l

when her voice, small but c

you stay? Jus

she had never asked this. She was always the one who understood the boundaries, the one who ne

ection, for a coolly logical reason why it was impractical. She even had a

few long seconds, his gaze unreadable. Then, he

her and pulled her into his arms, her hea

him, inhaling his scent, trying to absorb a warmth that was never truly hers to keep. The words-We have to end this

e tremor that ran through her body. His voice

reathing, her mind a battlefield. She tried to rationalize his staying. He was tired. It was

nt, desperate play. Each time, the words failed her. She had allowed herself to fal

her eyes shut, her breathing even, feigning sleep. She felt his gaze on her for a moment befor

he vast, silent room. She had lost her nerve,