Whispers Between Us

burning in her mind. She could feel Liam's eyes on her, sensing the distance between them before she even took a s

the silence. Her voice felt small, almost

ly, and for a moment, Maya saw something in them that made her chest tighten-so

oice barely above a whisper, his gaze lo

want to stay, made her want to let go of the weight of her responsibilities, her choices,

e uncertainty that had plagued her for days.

avier than the last. The door to the gallery felt like a lifetime away, and the soun

n her. Maya stood there for a moment, letting the breeze whip through her hair, her mind spinning. S

uldn't den

, pulling her from her

e. Where

the confusion, the emotions that were swirling inside her felt like a storm s

uick reply. "

mth from inside was a welcome contrast to the cold chill she still felt in her bones from the gallery. She took

broke into a smile, but Maya could see the concern hidden behind his eyes. He didn't ask where she h

ked gently, his voic

o smile. "Yeah. Just

ly going on. The longer they sat in silence, the more she could feel the

hers. Maya's heart fluttered, but the ache in her chest deepened. She wasn't sure how to na

nt, just like he always did. The night air was crisp, and Maya felt the cooln

couldn't stop thinking about Liam-about the way he had looked at her, the way he had ma

aused outside her door. "Maya, I know something's bee

here, always willing to listen. But could she tell him the truth? Could she tell hi

in to kiss her forehead. The gesture was sweet, comfor

let go of everything, just let the world fall away. But

said, stepping back slightly,

nodded, his expression gentle. "I'm

leaving Maya standing in the doorway, the wei

o matter how many times she closed the door on the outside world, it

she knew she couldn't run from