As much as he wants

She pulled back just slightly, her breath still brushing his lips.

“Eli…”

He looked at her—confused, overwhelmed, aching.

Her hand cupped the side of his face, thumb brushing just beneath the bruise.

“This—” she whispered, “—this can go as far as you want it to. Only if you want.”

He froze again. Not from fear—but from the weight of the choice she was laying at his feet.

“But…” she added, her voice softening, folding into something heavier.

“I’m married.”

The words sat there for a moment. Between them. Undeniable.

Her gaze didn’t waver.

“I’m not pretending this is okay. I’m not going to tell you it’s right. But I am telling you… if this happens, it stays between us. Completely.”

He swallowed. Hard.

“Nothing can be said. Not to your friends, not to your roommates. No joking about it, no stories, not even later. Not ever.”

She leaned in again, her mouth almost touching his ear now, her voice lower:

“It has to be a secret.”

Then she pulled back, just enough to look him in the eyes, the distance between them breath-thin.

“I’m not asking for anything. I’m just… giving you the choice.”

Her heart pounded.

She waited.