Joanne stared at him for what felt like forever, unable to tear her gaze away. His grip on her hand tightened, grounding her in the moment. Words failed her. Everything else faded into insignificance as she drowned in his eyes. He looked at her, as if she was the only thing in his world.
She had been terrified that morning when he acted distant, convinced she had lost him before she ever truly had him. But when she needed him most, he had appeared as a charming knight in armor—fierce, unwavering, protecting her without hesitation.
Those eyes… the way he looks at me…
She didn't even realize she was crying until he reached out and wiped away her tears.
"Does it hurt?" Jeffrey asked softly. His voice, deep and velvety, like a purr of a panther, sent a shiver down her spine, the tenderness in it making her heart skip a beat.
