Chapter 53

Elias’s POV

“It’s just…back then, the circumstances were completely different,” I said, striving to steady my voice. “You surprised me by showing up alive—there wasn’t a moment I wasn’t relieved you were okay. But…from the very first second I saw you, I knew I’d fall for you.”

She smiled and rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re only saying that because I frowned at you.”

“It’s the truth,” I insisted, reaching out to rest my hand on her other leg, the one with the slit in her dress. I meant to tease her, but I couldn’t help myself. Slowly, I peeled the fabric apart.

“What kind of man,” I murmured, “could resist a beautiful, brilliant woman who can wrap her legs around his waist like it’s second nature?”

A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she smiled. Then she inched back, her hands br