Falling

by Christina Lauren

He leaned forward, wanting to understand. For so long, he hadn’t bothered to care about human feelings and motivations beyond

Cat didn’t know how it was possible that he smelled like fresh air winding through a forest, but she had to resist leaning forward and taking a deep, greedy breath.

“It’s different,” she said. “You’re different. No man has ever paid attention to what I want the way you have.” “A shame, Catalina.”

“You’re cold,” he noted, voice low. She barely noticed and waved this off. “It’s fine.” His dark eyes lost their glimmer, and his words took on a protective growl when he murmured, “It isn’t fine.”

“Apparently, she will simply see me,” he said, staring into his glass. “I see you.”