Chapter SIXTY-FIVE

Dane I froze. For the first time in a long time, I had no idea how to react. Her words rang in my ears, sharp and undeniable. I love you. It felt like a punch to the chest, knocking the air straight out of my lungs. My body remained tense, every muscle locked in place, refusing to respond. I could feel the warmth of her pressed against me, her arms wrapped so tightly around my torso that I could feel the frantic rhythm of her heartbeat. She was trembling—whether from fear or anticipation, I didn’t know. Slowly, I turned my head, my movements stiff, and my eyes landed on the top of her head. Her brown hair was a mess, strands tangled and wild from the events of the day. It was roughened from her constant fidgeting, from the way she absentmindedly tugged at it when she was nervous. She always did that—touched her hair when she felt uneasy. And right now, she was still. Holding on to me like she expected me to disappear at any second. I clenched my jaw, my gaze shifting past her, staring