Chapter 19: The Space Between Us

Ariana didn't say it.

She didn't tell Leila to leave.

She should have.

She could have.

But she didn't.

Leila's fingers still rested lightly on her wrist, waiting.

For Ariana to pull away.

For Ariana to say something.

For Ariana to do anything but stand there like she was falling into something she wasn't ready for.

Seconds stretched.

The air between them was too heavy.

Then, finally—Leila let go.

She pulled back like she hadn't just set Ariana's skin on fire.

Like she hadn't just left a mark without even touching her.

"Okay," Leila said, standing up from the bed.

Ariana blinked. "Okay?"

Leila gave a small, unreadable smile. "You're not saying it, but I get it. You need space."

Ariana should have felt relieved.

She didn't.

Leila brushed past her, heading for the door.

But before she left, she turned.

Her gaze softened—just for a second.

"I won't push," she said quietly.

Ariana's breath hitched.

Because that was the real problem.

Leila didn't have to push.

She was already inside Ariana's head.

And she wasn't leaving anytime soon.

The door closed.

Ariana let out a shaky breath.

This was bad.

Really, really bad.

Because she had just realized something.

She didn't want space.

She just didn't know how close she could survive getting.