Arlene's POV
Damn it. Did I push too far? The last thing I need is for him to lose control over whatever beast lurks beneath his surface. I have no clue how dangerous that creature really is or whether he can keep it on a leash. Just as I work up the nerve to check if he's alright, the shadows in his eyes recede, revealing those gorgeous irises I adore.
"You're going to be the death of me, Sweetheart," his voice drops to a whisper. "You're absolutely breathtaking."
"That beats the horrible pickup line you tried on me the first time we met."
"God, that was pathetic, wasn't it?" He lets out a genuine laugh.
"Beyond pathetic. Borderline stalker material."
"Hey, it worked though, didn't it?"
"The evidence is right here," I gesture between us. The suffocating tension eases slightly, though it doesn't vanish entirely.
