Adelyn's heart almost skipped a beat.
Staring into his deep, abyssal eyes, she swallowed.
Did he really buy that … again?
How?
Had she truly become this flawless at lying?
"Ah—!"
A sharp yet surprisingly gentle pinch landed on her cheek, making her wince.
Adelyn stepped back quickly, rubbing the spot as she looked up at him —her expression resembling a little cat that had been teased for no reason.
"What was that?" she demanded.
Dylan met her gaze without the slightest hesitation. "A punishment."
Her eyes widened instantly, and she pouted. "Why would you punish me? Didn't you just say you trust me?"
A beat passed before she added, almost accusingly, "Or … you don't trust me anymore?"
Dylan watched her —watched that faint trace of panic flicker beneath her act —and, unexpectedly, a smile tugged at his lips.
The anger that had surged through him when he first entered the room … eased.
