Bella
"I'm okay," I whispered. "I promise."
He pulled me back into his arms, tight and sudden, like instinct had taken over before his mind could stop it.
And this time—
I didn't step away.
I didn't push him back.
I just stayed there, right where I shouldn't have been.
After a moment, I cleared my throat. "We… we can continue."
He nodded, still watching me like I might disappear.
We walked more through the market. I admired more things. Colors. Life.
Then I stopped at a flower stand.
The smell was amazing.
"These are beautiful," I said honestly.
"They smell nice," he smiled.
"Wait here," he said suddenly. "Stay with the guards. I need to check something. I'll be right back."
Before I could protest, he walked away with Spike.
I sighed.
Men.
I decided to wait. I sat on a bench in front of a nearby shop, just a short distance from the flower stand.
And that's when I realized—
Being here…
With him…
Was starting to feel dangerous in a way I wasn't ready for.
