Then, against his better judgment, he got to his feet. His steps were slow as he crossed the distance.
He stopped just behind her, close enough to feel the warmth of her body. Bianca stilled instantly, aware of his presence without turning.
Then Luca reached out, his fingers moving toward the stubborn zipper. But before he could touch it— She jerked away.
"I just want to help you," Luca said.
"I don't need your help," she said.
"Bianca, come on," Luca said, his voice strained as he watched her continue to struggle with the zipper.
She didn't respond. Her movements grew more frantic, more desperate, as if the simple task had become something much bigger than it was.
Luca stepped closer again, reaching out carefully this time, trying not to startle her. But the moment his fingers brushed near her back—
She swatted his hands away. He tried again. And again she pushed him off, more aggressively this time, her hands trembling with a mix of frustration and something deeper.
