Why was she always the problem between them?
The table felt smaller than usual.
Zara looked up to see him staring intently at her.
"We need to talk." His voice was calm, steady, but there was something else underneath—something weighted with expectation. "Really talk."
She nodded once. "I know."
Winter set his fork down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His voice was low but firm when he spoke. "We need to stop dancing around this. I need you to tell me everything." His fingers curled slightly as if restraining himself.
"Everything that could be a problem. Everything that could be an advantage. No more half-truths, no more avoiding it. I need to know that I can trust you, Zara. And I need to know that you trust me."
Zara took a slow breath, her fingers curling against her lap. She met his gaze head-on. "I do trust you," she said, voice steady. "And I know I haven't made that easy. But Winter, I need you to trust me, too."
