Ava arched an eyebrow, that subtle gesture full of quiet defiance.

“Time for what?”

“For doing something you didn’t plan,” Gabriel murmured, stopping right in front of her, his gaze steady and intent. “For feeling.”

Ava exhaled softly, caught off guard by the gravity in his tone. He raised a hand to her face, his fingertips brushing her skin with tender precision. His eyes—deep, searching—didn’t just ask for desire; they asked for surrender.

“I know you like to keep everything under control, Ava. Your world runs on order, predictability, and balance. But…” He leaned closer, his lips grazing her ear. “…what if, just for today, you let your heart take the lead?”

She closed her eyes, trying to steady herself. Every word he spoke seemed to awaken something inside her that had long been asleep.

“Gabriel…” she whispered, her voice softer than usual, trembling between restraint and yearning. “…you have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

“I think I do,” he murmured, pulling her gently by the w