Page 49 of Twisted Vows

“Maybe I just like your fire,” I admit, the words slipping out before I can stop them. Her eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, I wonder if I’ve said too much.

“Careful,” she murmurs, her voice lower now, almost teasing. “Because I’ve got a whole lot of matches.”

I hold her gaze and feel off-kilter. Like she’s shifting the ground beneath my feet without even trying.

The music fades into the background as we slow to a stop, still standing close enough that I can feel the heat of her skin through the fabric of her clothes. She looks at me with a soft expression that surprises me. “What?”

She tilts her head, studying me with a look I can’t quite decipher. “You’re smiling.”

“Am I?”

“You are,” she says, her tone almost accusing. “Why?”

I consider her question for a moment, the answer slipping through my grasp like sand. “You bring it out of me.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “That almost sounded like a compliment.” She shakes her head. “Careful, Max. I might start thinking you like me.”

I lean in, close enough that our breaths mingle. “Maybe I do.”

Her sharp intake of breath is the only response I get, but it’s enough. It’s more than enough.

I step back, creating just enough space to keep the moment from tipping into something neither of us is ready for.

Her gaze lingers on mine, conflicted but not hostile, and I know we’ve crossed some invisible line tonight. A line that feels less like a barrier and more like a beginning.

“We should do this again sometime,” I say, my tone light but sincere.

“Dance?” she asks, one brow arching in skepticism.

“Not necessarily,” I reply, a faint smirk tugging at my lips. “But this... whatever this is.”

She doesn’t answer immediately, her fingers brushing against mine as she steps back. “It’s a start,” she says finally, her voice softer now.

I watch her collect our glasses, the flicker of contentment burning a little brighter. She’s unpredictable, volatile... but she’s here. And for now, that’s enough.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Even darkness can fall in love.

Maxsim

After the lights are turned off, I hold out my hand. “Ready?”

Ari’s eyes narrow, searching my face like she’s trying to find some hidden agenda. After a moment’s hesitation, she finally takes it. “I like this version of you, Max.”

“Good to know.” The corner of my mouth twitches as I gesture toward the stairs. She follows me, her steps quieter than usual. She’s wary—not like a caged animal, but like someone out of their depth.

She pauses when we step into the bedroom, glancing around as though seeing it for the first time. The muted glow of the bedside lamps cast long shadows on the walls, and the fireplace crackles faintly in the corner, its warmth barely reaching us.

“Why is it always so cold in here?” she mutters, rubbing her arms. “Do you keep it like this to see if I’ll freeze to death?”

I smirk, sliding off my watch and setting it on the dresser. “I keep it cold, so you’ll have no choice but to sleep in my arms. It’s all part of my master plan.”

She snorts before turning toward her closet. “I might go to bed naked if it wasn’t so damn cold to start with.”

My eyes snap to her, a low laugh rumbling in my chest. “Good to know.” I cross the room and adjust the gas control on the fireplace. The flame leaps to life, and heat fills the room with a subtle warmth. “Better?”

She steps out of her closet wrapped in a robe. “A little.”

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