SASHA.
I was still reeling from his words when the door opened. I hadn't even noticed when he stepped out or when he came to my side to open the door for me.
My palms were already clammy. I wiped them on my gown for the third time in the last two minutes, my heart thumping way too loud for something as simple as stepping out of a car. But nothing about this was simple. Nothing about being out in public with him felt normal. My chest was too tight. My breathing came in short, shallow bursts. And I didn’t know what to do with my hands, so I just folded them awkwardly across my stomach like I was trying to hold myself together.
Bello extended a hand with his palm open, waiting patiently while I hesitated.
“Bellis,” he said, quietly but firmly while I looked up. His eyes were gentle, and n
