Chapter 43

Valeria’s POV

I rested my hands on his shoulders, feeling the pull yet still cautious. “I… I want you too, Callum,” I whispered softly, “but I just need a bit more time.”

Callum’s eyes softened, his gaze understanding as he nodded, holding me close. He respected my hesitation, and in that moment, I felt that maybe—just maybe—I was safe here, that this bond we were building could be real. The warmt