Gosto’s intense gaze never left me for a moment during the entire ride. His hand was wrapped around mine, his thumb tracing slow, burning lines along my palm. Every stroke sent shivers spiraling through my body, and deep down, I wished we would never reach the castle. I wished the driver would get lost or the car would break down, leaving us stranded just the two of us, hidden away from the world.

I bit down on my lip as another wave of heat coursed through me, making my breath hitch. ...