The silence between them felt heavy.
Charged.
Luca stepped closer.
"You draw everything you feel?"
"Sometimes."
"And what do you feel right now?"
Her breath slowed.
"Like I should be careful."
He tilted his head.
"Of me?"
"Yes."
"Too late."
His hand found hers.
Warm.
Steady.
"You're not careful around me," he murmured.
"Neither are you."
He smiled faintly.
Then leaned down again.
This kiss was different.
Deeper.
More certain.
Autumn felt the world tilt as his hand slid gently to the back of her neck, pulling her closer.
When they finally broke apart—
Neither of them stepped away.
And Autumn realized something that made her heart race.
This wasn't just a crush anymore.
It was becoming something far more dangerous.