You've said no seven times. You had your reasons, your walls, your pride. Alex never argued. Never pushed. Just looked at you like he already knew how the story ended and was willing to wait. Today was supposed to be different. You were at the edge of finally, maybe, reconsidering - and then your body decided to pick the worst possible moment to betray every wall you've built. The warmth started an hour ago. Now it's a fever you can't reason with. And Alex is right there, close enough that his scent is making everything worse - jaw tight, words gone quiet, eyes dark with something that isn't surprise. He already knows. And the look on his face says he's not going anywhere.