Page 20 of Her Nightshade

His eyes searched mine, his breathing heavy, and then quietly, he said, “I love you, Ana.”

I froze, my heart thudding in my chest. His voice softened almost to a whisper, his desperation turning vulnerable. “I was afraid to say it before. I was afraid I’d scare you away. But I can’t hold it back anymore. I’min lovewith you.”

The words hung in the air between us and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. He stepped closer, his hand reaching for mine. “I don’t just need you, Ana. I love you. Completely. And I’ve never felt like this about anyone.”

I stared at him, every part of me reeling from his confession. I didn’t know if I was ready to hear those words, but something about the way he said them made it impossible to turn away or argue.

His green eyes softened as he looked at me, sensing my hesitation. “You don’t have to say it back,” he said quietly. “I don’t need to hear you say you love me. I just need you to know how I feel…to know that I’m entirely devoted to you, more than anything, no matter what.”

I exhaled slowly, relieved that he wasn’t pushing for something I couldn’t give. He stepped closer, his hand squeezing mine gently. “I’ll wait for you, Ana. However long it takes. I just want you to know that I’m not going anywhere.”

It was impossible to deny the comfort his words brought, the reassurance I didn’t know I needed. “Thank you,” I whispered.

And even though I couldn’t say it back, I already knew—I loved him too. The realization hit me like a slow burn, warming my chest and settling in deeper than I expected. I wasn’t ready to admit it aloud, not yet, but it was there…and it was undeniable and terrifying.

10

Charlie

Icould feel Ana’s shield slowly start to crack. I didn’t expect to tell her that I loved her, especially after our argument about her needing space. But when she stormed into the room, accusing me of feeling this way for others, something inside me snapped. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. It wasn’t about pushing or pulling—it was about telling her the truth.

When she looked at me with that mixture of frustration and uncertainty, I realized I couldn’t keep pretending I was okay with the distance. At least, the emotional distance. I loved her and I needed her to know, even if she wasn’t ready to say it back.

I saw the flicker in her eyes when I said it—the way her defenses wavered, just for a moment. And in that moment, I knew she felt something too, even if she wouldn’t admit it yet.

Thank God for Sloane and whatever the fuck she told Ana because it felt like we were finally moving forward. For the first time, it didn’t feel like Ana was about to bolt at any second.There was a shift, something subtle, but I could feel it in the way she looked at me—less guarded, like she was starting to let me in, piece by piece.

She didn’t ask me to leave again after that. As if I would anyway.

I made dinner up to her by offering to cook brunch. I wasn’t a gourmet chef but I wanted her to see that I could cook, that I could take care of her in those little ways. I wanted to impress her. Ineededto impress her. It felt like I was always trying to prove myself, constantly wanting her to see that I was more than just some rockstar. I wanted to show her that this wasn’t just about sex; I wanted her to see who I really was. I wanted her to know I was serious about her—aboutus.

Offering to cook also gave me the perfect excuse to get her out of the apartment when I needed to pick up groceries. I wanted to see what it would be like for us to be somewhere other than the safe confines of the apartment, to feel her by my side in public, maybe sneak in a hand hold or two. It was something small, but it felt significant.

Being well-known in New York City had its perks—most New Yorkers didn’t give a shit about famous people. They’d let you blend into the background. But there was always that chance we’d run into a group of tourists who’d hound you, or secretly snap pictures.

The thought of being caught with Ana thrilled me. Maybe it was reckless, but part of me wanted to be seen with her. A big part of me. I wanted to show the world she wasmine.

We bundled ourselves up against the cold January chill as we stepped out of her building. Ana didn’t need much convincing to go out with me, but she insisted on her bodyguard, Miles, trailing behind us. It was hard not to notice the guy, but I didn’t mind, just as long as he kept his distance. What mattered was having this time with her, without the constant reminder of thewalls she kept up. If she was going to open up, I didn’t want anyone getting in the way of that.

I was a little disappointed to find that the small market was only around the corner, but it was something. It was a chance to be out with her, even for just a short walk. We stayed close enough that our arms brushed, and I took the opportunity to place my hand gently on her back as we wandered through the produce section, a small basket hanging off my forearm. She would steal glances at me and smile as I talked her ear off, my constant need for her attention running rampant. I couldn’t help it—every time she looked at me, I felt like I had to say something and to keep her focus on me.

After we rang up, I realized I wasn’t ready to head back yet. I wanted more time outside with her—more opportunity to be seen. I remembered a local coffee shop nearby, a small, private spot where we could be alone but still out in the world. It was perfect.

“Hey,” I said, glancing over at her as we stepped out of the store. “There’s this coffee shop a few blocks over. It’s quiet there. How about we grab something warm and sit for a bit?”

Her eyes flickered with curiosity, and after a brief pause, she looked back at Miles. His face was stoic and unreadable. I could tell she was weighing whether to indulge me or not, but then she glanced back at me and nodded with a smile. “Sure.”

It was a small word but hearing it felt like a victory. We started walking again and I felt that familiar thrill of just being outside with her. Then I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye; someone was holding their phone up, pointed right at us. My stomach dropped and I quickly looked away, hoping Ana didn’t catch it. I didn’t want this to end yet. This moment was too rare, too good, and the last thing I wanted was for her to retreat because of some random person snapping photos.

Then I felt it—possessive, protective, like a switch had flipped inside me. The sight of that phone aimed at us, ather, stirred something in me. My heart raced, and the need to shield her from the intrusion overwhelmed me.

Without thinking, I shifted closer to her, my hand resting firmly on her back. I wanted to keep her close, to make sure no one ruined this moment. She was mine right now and I wasn’t about to let some stranger take that away from us.

She glanced up at me, a confused and slightly surprised smile on her face, as if she’d sensed the shift. She raised her eyebrows but she didn’t pull away. Instead, her curious smile lingered.

“What are you doing?” she asked softly, her tone teasing but still unsure. “I wasn’t planning on running,” she added with a soft laugh.

I chuckled. “Good. I’d hate to have to chase after you.”

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