CHAPTER 22

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. "Let's talk!" He said, his voice a mixture of desperation and demand. I closed my eyes, trying to shut out the intensity of his gaze, the weight of his presence.

"Please, Lara," he pleaded, his voice laced with frustration, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone.

"What are we going to talk about?" I asked, my voice a mere whisper, my head bowed, my eyes avoiding his.

"About what happened between us," he said, his hand reaching out to grasp mine, his touch a mixture of strength and tenderness.

I remained silent, my body a statue of defiance, my mind a jumbled mess of conflicting emotions.

"Please, talk to me, Belle," he urged, his voice softer now, a plea for understanding. He moved closer, his gaze intense, his eyes a captivating blue.

"Look, I'm sorry... I never intended to do that—but," he began, his words a clumsy attempt at explanation.

I didn't let him finish. My hand shot out, my palm connecting with his cheek i