“Have you told him you love him?” he says, taking another step. My heart beats wildly, as I look anywhere but at him. He steps closer again, until he's just inches away. “Have you?” I turn my head, but his hand touches my chin, steering it back to center. “Brix.” His voice is soft, seductive, and I’m not sure how much longer I can take being this close to him. “Look at me and tell me.” I finally find the courage to look at him, and it’s as if his eyes pierce through to my soul. “Have you told him you love him?” I open my mouth to speak, but I can't say the words. He sees my hesitation and goes in for the kill. With his hand still on my chin, he lets it slide around to the side of my neck. His fingers easily glide into my hair, and his thumb rubs gently back and forth against my cheek. “I need to know,” he says, just above a whisper. I close my eyes, my lips part fractionally, and my heart is about to leap from my chest. I can feel his warm breath against my cheek, as his lips graze my ear. “Yes or no, Brix?” A sharp intake of breath fills my lungs, before I exhale in desperation.
“No,” I say, and it’s as if I've just confessed every sin I’ve ever committed. The relief is profound, but now I know I've opened up an enormous gate. I feel him smile against my cheek and hear his satisfaction as he hums his exhale.
“Good. I can work with that.”