Betty's POV. 

His hand hovered at my waist as if he wasn’t sure he had the right to touch me, and yet… he didn’t pull away. 

His eyes dropped to my lips for a second, but I felt it like a spark across my skin. 

My breath hitched. 

The warm thrum of his heartbeat under my palm deepened, steady but strained, like he was holding himself in place by sheer will.

Neither of us spoke as His forehead almost brushed mine.

Then, a sharp clatter echoed from the dark alley beside us.

Damien ...