Chapter 169. Her Spell

Calla’s breath caught slightly. He held her chin, pulling her gaze back to his. She searched his face, her eyes moving over his features, trying to find any hint that he didn’t mean it.

“You mean that?” she asked softly.

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t,” he replied. His tone was steady and simple, and she didn't miss the certainty in it.

Calla swallowed, her heart warming in a way she didn’t expect. For once, she didn’t feel like she had to fight to be heard.

“I didn’t plan for it to happen the way it did,” she started slowly, her fingers curling slightly against his shirt. “Working for Marco… it wasn’t something I chose because I wanted to hurt you.” Her voice wavered just a little, but she kept going.

“I thought I could handle it. I thought... I could stay out of everything that didn’t concern m