Chapter 51

As Shane spoke, Nina felt his gaze settle on her face. She knew what he was implying. But she also knew that her moving in with him would never happen. She would be gone before he returned. There was no reality where she would live under his roof, trapped under his control. Shane was carefully observing her, as if gauging her reaction. For a split second, she froze, quickly trying to calculate the best response. "...Is that so?" She smiled weakly, tilting her head slightly to the side to avoid his stare. Her expression carried hesitation and reluctance. She had a sense of quiet resignation as if she had no choice but to accept his words. Maybe this was exactly the reaction he had expected because he didn't push any further. Shane simply withdrew his hand. "Stay put while I'm gone," he said. His voice was low and slightly hoarse. The dim moonlight from the window cast shadows over his sharp features as he looked down at her. "I'll be back soon." Nina was silent for a mo