The air between us ignites.
I see everything in her gaze, the same hunger, the same desperation, the same impossible want that's eating me alive.
One move. One move and I could—
"I need to make a few calls before we head to the event."
He's gone before either of us can respond.
And then we’re alone.
Aurora steps back quickly, putting distance between us. But she's breathing hard, and I can see her hands shaking. She turns to walk away.
"Aurora, wait—"
She stops, takes a breath, and turns to look at me. “Yes?”
I pull a small box from my jacket pocket and walk over to her.
"W-What's that?" she asks.
"Something I brought for you." I open it. Inside is a diamond necklace, a delicate chain, and a pendant shaped like my family crest. "It belonged to my mother. She wore it. My sister wore it. It's tradition. The women in the Santego family wear it."
Her eyes widen. "Axel, I can't—"
"You're going to be family." The words taste wrong, but I push forward. "You should have it."
"I'm marrying Leo, not you."
"I know." I step closer. "You're still going to be a Santego woman."
She stares at the necklace. I see the war happening behind her eyes.
"Turn around," I say quietly.
"Axel—"
"Please."
She turns.
I lift the necklace, fasten it around her neck. My fingers brush her skin, and she shivers. I let my hands linger on her shoulders, just for a second.
Just long enough to memorize the feel of her.
She turns back to face me, touching the pendant. "It's beautiful."
"It suits you."
We're too close again. Close enough that I could lean down, capture her mouth, taste her like I've been dying to for weeks.
Her eyes drop to my lips.
She wants it too.
"Axel—" she breathes.
The door bursts open.