At that moment Valentina's hands trembled slightly as she clutched the front of Raymond's shirt, her heart pounding so hard she could barely think straight.
The deeper she looked into his eyes, the more fearful she became not because she was scared of him, but because something inside her, something ancient and instinctive, was starting to whisper things she didn't understand, She bit her lower lip, hesitating, but the words were already burning in her throat.
Slowly, almost fearfully, she pulled back just a little so she could see his face better.
"Raymond..." she whispered, her voice shaking with uncertainty.
Hearing his name Raymond blinked, sensing the shift in her mood instantly, his brows knitting in concern.
Valentina took a shaky breath, gathering all the courage she could muster.
"There's something... I've been meaning to ask you," she said, her words fragile, like they might break if she spoke too loud.
