~Lucian’s POV

I pulled away from Bella, my heart pounding harder than it had in years. The taste of her lips lingered, warm and sweet, but a sudden wave of guilt crashed over me, drowning any fleeting joy I might have felt. I forced myself to look at her, my chest tight with a storm of emotions.

“Bella,” I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. “I’m sorry.”

The words were out before I could stop them, heavy and full of meaning I couldn’t explain. Guilt shadowed my face, tightening my jaw and furrowing my brow. I knew she could see it; I could feel her eyes searching mine, looking for...