Chapter 69

Alex was silent for a while, his fork still in his hand but forgotten. His eyes locked with hers, deep and serious. Then he spoke, his voice low and sure, “I want you.” Melanie’s heart skipped but she kept her face calm. She lifted her chin slightly, refusing to show the emotions stirring inside her. “You had me before, Alex. And you sent me away,” she said, her tone sharp but even. “So tell me, what changed?”