Solrine pulled his hands away from her flushed face, where he'd been gently patting to cool her fever.
She stood up abruptly, wobbling toward the bedroom.
"Sol?" Stellan called out.
She paused, breathing deeply before turning back with tired eyes. "What do you want, Stellan?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've been acting strange these past few weeks." Her voice was flat, exhausted. "I don't want to make assumptions, so just tell me—how do you feel about me?"
"I really... I can't explain myself, Solrine."
She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her. "Why are you leaving? You're too weak to be moving around alone."
Fire flashed in her emerald eyes. "I can take care of myself. Thanks!"
"SOLRINE!"
She flinched at his harsh shout, then faced him fully, arms crossed. "What? You clearly don't know how you feel, or you're ignoring it. You've been fussing over me constantly—cooking breakfast, which is my job, helping me with everything. Then the flowers..." Her eyes narrowed. "Flowers, Stellan? Who does that unless they have feelings?"
He met her gaze, sincere yet resolute. "Fine. It's true—I'm falling for you, Solrine Cavaliere. I've been drawn to you since that first night at the bar."
Stellan stepped closer, cupping her face. "You've filled my dreams since that incredible night together. At first, I thought it was just lust, because what happened between us was... amazing."
His brown eyes burned with longing. "I regretted not getting your number."
A small smile played across her lips as she held his stare.
"When my mother introduced you as the new concierge, I couldn't believe my luck—that you'd come back into my life." His voice lowered. "So yes, I've been falling for you. You make me smile, shake up my world, bring color into my life. I want you by my side."
He searched her face for any response. "I thought you believed in arranged marriage..."
"I did," he said flatly. "But that was before I met you. Now I want to spend my life with someone who ignites my soul—you, Solrine. I've been drawn to your fire, yet feared that if you knew how I felt, you'd reject me completely."
Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked away. "Well, you were right. I do reject this... romantic bullshit. I don't feel the same way, Stellan."
Her tone turned nonchalant, walls solidifying. "You know I'm not made for love and commitment. Leave me alone to sort yourself out. I can take care of myself."
As she turned away, Stellan grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. "Dammit, Solrine! Why won't you open up instead of shutting me out?" His voice rumbled with frustration. "The past doesn't have to control you!"
Her eyes flared. "I don't want to expose my vulnerabilities—you know that!" She wrenched free, yelling, "JUST LEAVE ME BE, STELLAN!"
The bedroom door slammed.
Stellan sank onto the couch, head in his hands. This was exactly what he'd feared—his feelings burning too hot and driving her behind her walls.
He blamed himself for losing control, but vowed with grim determination that he wouldn't let this spark between them die.
Not without fighting to make her understand the truth in his heart.