“Ella,” he began, his voice strained, but she silenced him with a finger to his lips.

“It’s okay, Valen,” she whispered, her eyes locking with his.

His resolve wavered. She was so close, her scent intoxicating, her lips so inviting. Every instinct in him screamed to close the distance, to claim her.

But Valen clenched his fists, forcing himself to step back. Not here. “We should go,” he said, his voice thick with restraint.

Ella nodded, her cheeks flushed. She didn’t ...