Chapter 286: The Line Between Us

Chris watched Skylar for a moment longer, studying the conflict in her expression. She had always been difficult to predict—her thoughts, her emotions, the way she could challenge him without ever raising her voice.

"You don't know yet?" he repeated, voice smooth but edged with something sharp. "Then maybe I should help you decide."

Skylar's posture stiffened as he stepped closer again. He saw the flicker of resistance in her eyes, but she held her ground.

"Chris—"

"You're afraid of what I'm becoming," he interrupted, reading her before she could even say it. "But you're still here."

Her lips parted slightly, but no words came.

"Tell me why." His voice was lower now, quieter. "Is it love, or is it the cage you think you can't escape?"

Skylar's breath caught. She didn't step back, but she didn't answer either.

Chris let the silence stretch, let the weight of his question settle over them both. Then, without breaking eye contact, he reached for her hand.

"Do you want to leave?"

His grip was loose—a test. The slightest pull, and he would let her go.

For a second, she didn't move.

Then, slowly, her fingers curled around his instead.

Chris exhaled through his nose, something unreadable flashing across his face.

"Then stop looking at me like I'm the villain in our story."

Skylar's lips parted, but this time, when she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Aren't you?"

Chris let out a quiet chuckle, but it didn't reach his eyes. He lifted her hand, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her knuckles.

"Only if you make me one."