***************
My thoughts were tangled into knots, my emotions colliding. Before I could form an answer, he tilted his head slightly and murmured, "Go change into something nice. I already took permission from Professor Lionel to take you out. We'll be back before curfew."
My heart gave a startled thump. "What?"
"You heard me," he replied, voice calm but firm. "Dress up for me, Spring. I want tonight to be ours."
I blinked at him, still processing, but his hand gently brushed mine before he stepped back, giving me space. Almost on autopilot, I slipped into my tent, my chest rising and falling too quickly.
