[Meredith].
Draven and I stepped out of the house together, the doors closing behind us with a soft echo.
The air outside was cool, touched with a faint sweetness from the distant orchard trees. I inhaled slowly, letting the quiet settle around me.
It felt nice to be away from prying eyes and ears, even if just for a short walk.
Just then, Draven casually brushed his knuckles against mine as we descended the steps—warm enough to send a small flutter across my chest.
"You are thinking too hard," he murmured.
I blinked up at him. "Am I?"
"You sometimes purse your lips like that when you are nervous."
"I'm not nervous," I lied.
He arched one brow. "My love."
"Fine. A little."
A single corner of his mouth lifted. "Don't be. I'm here."
I didn't answer him, but he must have felt the shift in me, because his gaze softened.
We walked across the estate grounds in companionable silence.
