The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy with unspoken words. Artemia felt a pull, an undeniable magnetic force drawing her closer to Alex. Her heart pounded in her chest, a rhythm echoing the unspoken question that hung in the air.
Alex's gaze held hers, his eyes searching hers for answers. He wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap between them, but something held him back. Fear? Desire? A mixture of both, perhaps.
The room seemed to shrink, the world outside fading into insignificance. It was just them, two souls suspended in a moment of profound connection. The whiskey had worn off, leaving behind a clarity that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Artemia took a deep breath, her voice barely a whisper.
"This is crazy," she admitted, her eyes never leaving his. "I didn't know this game would be so fun." Her voice trailed off, the words caught in her throat.
Alex leaned forward, his breath warm on her skin.
