His husky voice murmured in my ear, "How long do you plan on avoiding me?"

"I'm not..." I tried to defend myself, but as soon as the words left my lips, I felt I had misspoken.

We were already so familiar with each other, both physically and emotionally. Any intimacy between us was a tempting lure.

"Thank you for saving my Ava," I said, hoping to shift our awkwardness.

"Not just your Ava," he replied, his eyes gleaming affectionately. "Ava has a good heart. It's you who's a little heartless."

"I'm not a five-year-old child. I can't bother you!" I reluctantly said. After all, I hadn't overcome the hurdle of him being with Harmony.

"Nonsense!" Atlas stood up, feigning anger.

He moved the chair next to him and pulled me into his arms, settling us both on the beach chair.

It had been a long time since we were this close, and it left me feeling uneasy. My heart pounded against my chest.

Atlas, his handsome face serious, gazed at me. "Chloe, I know you've been through a lot."

Tea