Charles's POV
Before I could disappear back into the darkness, soft fingertips grazed my cold skin. My entire body went rigid, stopping dead in my tracks. Those electric touches traveled upward, wrapping around my fingers with gentle persistence.
Her hold was barely there, light as air, yet I found myself completely immobilized. My legs wouldn't carry me away, my racing heart sabotaged any hope of escape, and my fingers instinctively curled around hers, desperately seeking that fleeting warmth.
"Charles." Her voice was silk against my ear, tender and honeyed, making me fight back a tremor. "Please don't leave."
I remained frozen, eyes fixed on the shadowy corner of her bedroom. Every inch of this space carried her scent, that intoxicating blend of sweet lilies and rich vanilla that clouded my thoughts.
