Ruby's POV

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathless.

The silence that followed felt fragile. He gave a faint smile, and I managed a quiet, trembling laugh.

We stayed there, caught somewhere between confusion and longing.

Austin finally exhaled, his gaze distant as if trying to steady himself. I stepped back quickly.

We didn’t talk about it. Pretending was easier.

After I finished dressing Austin’s wound, we were about to head out to grab something to eat when Sally appeared ...