"That would be quite agreeable; it denotes a greater degree of intimacy between us."

He agrees and walks with slow, almost deliberate steps. I know it's mad, but right now, I feel like prey before a predator. That's the sensation I got when I raised my gaze for a moment to say to him:

"That's fine."

"Bella, my parents will arrive in just two days, and there's something we haven't practised yet which is of utmost importance," he suddenly says, capturing all my attention for what he's about to say next. When he doesn't continue, I ask:

"What is it?" He takes a breath without breaking eye contact and says,...