Alexander's POV

My face rests softly against her warm, silky skin, the subtle sweetness of vanilla wrapping around me like a balm. I breathe her in—her scent grounding me, steadying the turmoil inside as I wait for her response. I told her. I actually said it all out loud. The words spilled out before I could second-guess myself, despite hours of tormenting hesitation. I still can’t believe I just laid everything bare like that.

But Uncle Nick was right. ...