Author POV

Giovanni’s breath caught as Gray’s eyes locked on hers—dark, unreadable, but burning with something that made her heart skip a beat.

“You told me not to hold back,” he murmured, his voice low, deep enough to vibrate against her skin. “Are you sure you understand what that means?”

Giovanni lifted her chin, refusing to look away. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

Gray’s hand found her jaw, tracing along it with his thumb, his touch both tender and ...