The kiss changed everything.
There was no pretending anymore.
No hiding behind business, strategy, or carefully chosen words.
Just truth.
And it terrified her.
"Say something," Adrian murmured softly.
Amara stood still, her heart racing, her thoughts tangled.
"I shouldn't have done that," she said.
But her voice lacked conviction.
Adrian didn't step back.
Didn't retreat.
Instead, he stayed right where he was.
Close.
Steady.
"You didn't mean that," he said quietly.
She looked at him.
And that was her mistake.
Because the moment their eyes met—
All her defenses weakened.
"You make this complicated," she whispered.
"I make this honest."
Silence.
Heavy.
Real.
"I don't do this," she continued. "I don't fall for people. I don't lose control."
"You didn't lose anything."
His voice softened.
"You found something."
Her breath caught.
Because part of her believed him.
"I don't want to need someone," she admitted.
Adrian stepped closer.
"You don't need me," he said.
Her heart dropped—just slightly.
But then—
"I want you."
And that—
That was worse.
Or maybe better.
She didn't know anymore.
"What if this ruins everything?" she asked.
"It won't."
"You don't know that."
"I do."
"How?"
He looked at her like the answer was simple.
"Because I'm not letting you go."
Her chest tightened.
"Adrian…"
"I love you."
The words landed softly.
But they echoed loudly in her heart.
Because they were real.
Because they were true.
Because she felt it too.
And that scared her more than anything.