The silence between us stretched until it hurt. I didn't even realize I'd stopped crying until I felt how still the room had gone. My breath came shallow, ragged. Adrien's hand was still at the back of my head, his thumb brushing through my hair like he could soothe the world into order again.
Then something inside me cracked.
My hands slid from his chest, limp.
Adrien's breath stuttered against my shoulder. "Bella?"
I pulled back, just enough to see him. His amber eyes, so full of pain, searched mine, as if seeking an answer I didn't possess. The warmth of his body lingered on my skin, but I couldn't stand it—not right now. My arms dropped to my sides. My face felt empty, hollow.
"Princess…" His voice was a quiet ache. "Talk to me, sweetheart. What's wrong? Do you feel a little better now?"
I gave a brittle laugh. "Better?" My lips trembled.
