The tension shifted.
Not gone—but deeper. Heavier.
More real.
Dominic moved closer, his voice quieter now.
"You shouldn't have to deal with any of this."
Ava shook her head.
"Stop deciding what I can handle."
His gaze softened slightly.
"You don't understand how far this goes."
"Then let me see it," she said.
He hesitated.
And for the first time—
Dominic didn't want to protect her by pushing her away.
He wanted to protect her by keeping her close.
Too close.
His hand found hers.
"Stay with me tonight," he said.
Ava's heart skipped.
"I wasn't planning on leaving."