Heat sparked low in my stomach.
Familiar but also not, because I'd felt desire before, had felt it twisted into obsession and possession and all the toxic things the first timeline had made of my emotions but this was different.
This felt clean. Honest. Like wanting something because I actually wanted it, not because some invisible hand was pushing me toward predetermined plot points and scripted romance.
I think... I wanted him.
And that terrified me enough to break the moment before it could go somewhere I wasn't ready for.
"If you don't let me breathe," I said against his shoulder, voice rougher than intended, "I'll burn you where you stand."
The threat was playful. Mostly playful. Definitely edged with enough genuine bite that he'd know I meant it even if I was joking.
He laughed.
