//CLARA//
Casimir didn't let go.
The hallway was dead silent, save for the whistling of the winter wind against the high glass windows.
I should have pulled away. I should have confronted him, demanded answers, and done something—anything—other than stand here like a complete coward.
But I couldn't.
The truth Gary had just dropped into my lap was a crushing weight I wasn't ready to carry.
I didn't know how to hold it and still look at him without him seeing the fear in my eyes.
So I did the only thing I could think of to stop the room from spinning.
I chose denial. I chose him.
"Kiss me." I whispered.
Casimir went entirely still.
"Clara—"
"Please." My voice cracked.
I could feel the tears building behind my eyes, threatening to spill over. I didn't want him to see them.
"Just kiss me, Casimir. Please."
He pulled back just enough to look at me. His grey eyes searched my face, scanning for the lie, the crack, the thing I wasn't saying.
