Eileen recoiled instinctively, and to her own surprise, she realized what she had done. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted as if to speak.
"…Ah."
A short sound escaped her—half an exclamation, the beginning of some excuse—but no words followed.
And why should they? She had spent days avoiding Cesare, uncertain of how to behave around him. Now, trapped in this moment, she froze completely.
An awkward silence settled between them, thick with tension. Eileen's mouth went dry as she felt the weight of her discomfort, an unease that was impossible for Cesare to miss.
He made no effort to ease the silence or lighten the moment. Instead, he gently stroked her cheek, his touch steady and calm.
Slowly, he tilted his head, bringing his face closer. Eileen couldn't move—her body was frozen, as if paralyzed by his presence.
Their noses brushed lightly. She held her breath, acutely aware of every inch between them.
