Chapter 133. But I’m Not

Simon’s eyes darkened at her boldness. The confident tone in her voice sent a sharp jolt through him, and he had to draw in a slow, steady breath just to keep himself composed.

“Melva,” he said warningly, his voice low and gravelly. “You have no idea what you’re playing with.”

But Melva only grinned, leaning forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief, something that made Simon’s chest tighten. “Oh, I do,” she replied softly. “You think I don’t feel it too? The pull. The bond. Every time you’re near, it’s like my heart’s no longer mine.”

Simon’s jaw clenched. “That’s exactly why I’m trying to control it.”

She tilted her head, studying him, her tone turning tender. “Then stop fighting it.”

He looked at her, really looked at her, and it struck him again how stubbornly fearless she could be. She wasn’t trying to tempt him, not exactly. She was just being honest—open, real—and that was what made it even harder to resist.

“Melva…” His voice dropp