[Ovelia's POV]
A sickening feeling settled in my stomach. I knew this feeling all too well—the frustration, the helpless anger, the deep-seated hurt of being forced to do something against your will. I had lived with it for years in Timberline. And now, without even understanding the power I held, I had inflicted it on Gale.
I brought my palms together, my fingers steepled under my chin. "Gale," I began, my voice soft but clear. "From now on, instead of saying something that sounds like a command, I will ask you instead. That way, you can say no if you don't like it or if you're uncomfortable."
He stared at me for a long moment, his grumpy expression softening into one of sheer bewilderment. "You're too kind. Thanks, I guess?" he muttered, crossing his arms and tilting his chin up in a show of defiance. But when he chanced a look at me and saw I was still watching him, a faint, shimmering blush colored his cheeks. I couldn't help but smile.
He's really cute when he blushes.
