I stared at Kaelen, my mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. His question hung between us, impossible to dodge or dismiss.
"I... I don't..." I stammered, feeling heat rush to my cheeks.
His green eyes seemed to glow in the dark, pinning me in place while he waited. He didn't rush me or fill the uncomfortable silence. Instead, he watched with that infuriating patience, like he had all night for me to squirm.
"We should go inside," I finally managed, trying to step around him toward the front door.
His arm shot out, blocking my path. "No. Answer my question first."
I crossed my arms over my chest. "It's cold out here."
"I'll keep you warm," he countered smoothly. "Stop avoiding the question, Seraphina."
"I'm not avoiding anything!" My voice came out sharper than intended. "I just don't think it's appropriate to have this conversation on your doorstep where anyone could hear us."
Kaelen raised an eyebrow. "There's no one around but us, and you know it."
