"Now… will you do me the honor?" Roman's voice was low, warm, almost teasing, but there was a tenderness in it that wrapped around Julie like a velvet ribbon.
His dark eyes—steady and unflinching—looked down at her, brimming with something unguarded, something that made the air between them feel softer.
Julie's breath caught. The way he was looking at her—it wasn't just affection, it was the kind of love that seemed to pull at her very chest.
A small, shy smile curved her lips, her lashes lowering as though the intensity of his gaze was too much to hold.
Her cheeks warmed, turning the faintest pink, and she found herself tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Without a word, she lifted her hand, almost instinctively, and placed it gently over his.
Her skin met the warmth of his palm, and that simple gesture drew a reaction she hadn't expected—a sudden, boyish smile broke across his usually composed face, rare and unrestrained.
