Bruno's eyes burned with intensity, dark and cold and his hand holding my face was both gentle and possessive.
I could feel his thumb trace a line along my cheek, sending a shiver that betrayed the resolve I clung to.
The warmth of his palm was intoxicating, making my pulse race despite every warning my mind shouted at me to pull away.
I took a shaky breath, steeling myself, and pulled back from him, forcing space between us.
"No, Bruno. Stop."
My voice came out smaller than I intended, wavering, but I held my ground.
His hand dropped, though he didn't move away. Instead, he looked down at me with an expression both hurt and puzzled.
"Why?" His voice was soft, just above a whisper, but there was an edge in it.
He wanted answers, but there was no way I could explain everything I felt in that single, loaded question.
I forced myself to meet his gaze, even though it felt like standing too close to the sun.
