#48

Eve's POV:

Ryan's question hung in the air, leaving me with a sense of curiosity and uncertainty. I turned to him, searching for answers in his eyes.

"Different how?" I asked, my brows furrowing in confusion.

Ryan hesitated for a moment, his fingers gently smoothing my hair as he attempted to find the right words. "I mean our bond," he finally explained.

Until that moment, I hadn't given much thought to the state of our bond. Now, with his question, I found myself at a loss for words, unable to comprehend what he meant.

"Come," he said, his voice soft and inviting, as he moved to sit on the picnic blanket.

I joined him, sitting across from him. The wind tousled my hair, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. It was as though his warmth and presence enveloped me, creating a sense of security and comfort.

"Close your eyes, Eve," he whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my spine with the huskiness of his voice. I followed his instruction, closing my eyes as I allowed