"Can I… eat first before we do it?" Valerie's voice trembled slightly, barely louder than a whisper, yet clear enough to make Demian, who was now close enough for his breath to brush her skin, halt his movement.
Demian's brows lifted a little.
"You haven't eaten?" he asked, his tone shifting. It was no longer firm and pressing, but gentler, almost concerned.
Valerie lowered her gaze and shook her head. Her stomach had been empty for hours, but the tension and the closeness of Demian moments earlier had almost made her forget everything else.
Demian exhaled slowly. Without another word, he leaned forward and reached for the hem of her gown, adjusting it before Valerie hurriedly clasped it back in place, her cheeks burning.
"All right," he said softly. "I'll call the attendants."
Simple words, yet the warmth in his voice stirred something deep inside Valerie's chest, an unfamiliar sensation, considering she was still trying to understand this man and his shifting moods.
