Amara's words hung in the air longer than they should have. The sound of her own voice still echoed in her ears. She sounded too deliberate to sound innocent.
For a brief second, his expression flickered. He wasn't expecting that. His hand stayed frozen on the doorknob.
"My house?" His tone carried a strange edge. Something between surprise and disbelief.
Amara nodded. She kept her expression neutral, as if she hadn't just said something meant to shake him. "Yes. I want to see it."
His lips parted, then closed again. He took a step toward her. "Why?"
She met his gaze squarely. "Because I want to."
For a moment, the silence stretched. His eyes narrowed slightly, studying her. She could almost see the calculations behind them, the flicker of suspicion, and the faint crease of curiosity.
Then, his features softened again. He smiled. He showed her that practiced smile.
"Alright," he said quietly. "Let's go."
Amara drew in a slow breath and nodded.
