Chapter 43

OLIVIA’S POV “I don’t think we’ve met before…” I tilted my head, studying his chiseled features, “or have we?” My brow furrowed. “I feel like I’d remember such a charming face.” His smile widened, slow and deliberate, and it lit up his already handsome features. “Well, thank you for the compliment,” he said, a teasing edge in his tone. “You really think I’m charming?” “Huh—what?” I blinked, suddenly self-conscious. Had I said that out loud? His low chuckle rolled over me like a warm breeze. “No, Olivia,” he said, eyes gleaming with amusement. “I can’t hear your thoughts, but… it’s written all over your face. You’ve always been easy to read.” My mouth fell slightly open, and a hot blush rushed to my cheeks. I quickly averted my gaze, horrified. He knew I was flustered. I’d always hated how expressive my face was, how easily people could read every emotion I tried to hide—but the way he said it… it wasn’t mocking. It was… fond. He laughed softly again, the sound like something from a hal