Valerie's POV
Something was wrong.
I felt it the moment I stood up.
Heat bloomed under my skin without warning, too sudden, too intense like my body had flipped a switch I hadn't touched. My palms were damp. My breathing felt shallow, uneven, as if the air itself had thickened around me.
Get a grip.
I tried to act normal. I tried not to let it show.
Leo was still on the couch.
I glanced at him.
And instantly regretted it.
He looked… strained. Sweat darkened the fabric near his collarbone. His posture was stiff, shoulders drawn tight, one arm pressed awkwardly against a pillow like he was shielding himself from something. Or someone.
His jaw was clenched.
His breathing wasn't steady.
Oh.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.
"Leo?" I asked, forcing my voice to sound casual. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he replied too fast.
Too sharp.
His eyes gave him away.
