Aurora’s POV

The air between us felt heavier now. The strip of lace still rested in Alpha Gray’s hand, his thumb tracing the soft edge as if memorizing it.

My heart thudded unevenly, and I couldn’t decide whether to be mortified or thrilled.

“I said it’s nothing,” I murmured again, though my voice didn’t sound convincing even to my own ears.

His eyes lifted to mine, steady and unreadable, and the corner of his mouth tilted slightly.

“Nothing, hm?” he repeated, his voice ...