"I love you, Aurelia Frost."
Warmth spread through me as my body melted in his touch. His eyes remained on mine, gentle and unmoving with his chest rising and falling in rhythm. I stared deep into them, pure and sincere.
I love you.
Those three words I fought so hard to hear from Axel for over ten years of being with him and when I finally did, sounded like an obligation rather than a confession.
But with Dane— everything was different.
His fingers trailed gently on my waist, squeezing softly with his eyes on mine. Waiting.
He heaved. "I've always loved you, Aurelia."
"I…"
He cut me off. "You don't have to say anything now." He swallowed nervously. "Take your time…"
"I love you, Dane." The words rolled off my tongue, catching him off guard.
Dane's muscles tensed the moment I spok
