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, Av