The room felt unbearably warm despite the air conditioner working at full blast.

Or maybe it was just me—burning from the inside out.

I was still seated at the edge of the bed, fighting every shiver and electric jolt caused by Terrence’s presence just behind me. It was as if every second the tension thickened—something I didn’t want, yet secretly craved all the same.

“Stop it, Terrence…” I whispered. My voice was soft, uncertain, as though even I didn’t know if I truly wanted ...