Chapter 152
Kael did not move away after that.
He stayed close, his forehead still resting lightly against Ariana's for a few quiet seconds while he forced his breathing to steady. Ariana could feel the effort it took through every point of contact between them. The tension in him had eased slightly, but it had not disappeared, and she knew now that it probably wouldn't disappear completely anymore.
Not while the Lycan stayed this close to the surface.
Not while she stayed this close to him.
When Kael finally lifted his head, his hand remained at her waist for another moment before he slowly let go and stepped back just enough to put space between them. It wasn't much distance, but Ariana noticed the difference immediately.
So did he.
His jaw tightened slightly as if even that small amount of separation felt wrong now.
Ariana folded her arms loosely, more to keep herself grounded than defensive. "You're doing it again," she said quietly.
Kael frowned. "Doing what?"
