I could practically hear Claire's heartbeat, the rapid, uneven rhythm of it betraying the storm inside her. She lay still, her eyes squeezed shut like she was trying to block out the world—me—but her thoughts were a whirlwind of chaos.
I leaned in, my lips brushing against her forehead in a gesture so gentle it felt like a confession. "Good night, Claire," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her thoughts exploded.
[He—] [He…]
[He KISSED me]
I chuckled inwardly, my lips curling into a faint smile. It won't be long now.
As I stood and turned toward the door, I caught sight of Yelena in the living area, her fingers flying over the keyboard of her laptop, the glow of the screen casting sharp, angular shadows across her face.
She didn't look up at first, too absorbed in whatever she was doing, but then she must've sensed my presence because her head snapped up, her dark eyes locking onto mine with a smirk that promised nothing but trouble.
