?<strong>Chapter 1271:</strong>


    As Kailyn did, an apology formed in her mind, though she never spoke it aloud.


    “Sorry, Laney. You’re on your own now. I can’t take on your cousin.”


    Cliff took a moment to rid himself of the bear costume’s lingering scent before turning his full attention to Laney.


    He studied her intently. Though it had only been about a month since theirst meeting, he couldn’t help but feel she had changed in subtle but significant ways.


    Her features were unchanged, her peaceful sleep unbroken. Her hands instinctively gripped the fabric of his clothes, and her body was rxed in his arms.


    Unable to resist, Cliff reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against her cheek.


    Laney shifted ever so slightly, a soft squirm, as if the tickling sensation was coaxing her to burrow deeper into his embrace, all while keeping her eyes closed.


    Cliff nced around, his mind racing. This wasn’t the ideal ce for her to sleep. After sending Kailyn a quick message, he carried Laney back to the hotel.


    When Cliffid her on the bed, Laney stirred from her dream, her hand reflexively reaching out to grip his as he tried to pull away.


    He paused, watching as she slowly began to wake. Her eyes fluttered open, half-lidded, locking onto him in the dimly lit room.


    The faint light painted Cliff’s figure with a dreamy haze—almost as if he weren’t real.


    Laney thought she was dreaming.


    For the first time, Cliff felt the inexplicable torment of being the center of her gaze, her silent observation cutting through him like a thousand needles.


    “Laney,” he said, revealing himself fully to her.


    Laney opened her mouth, speaking in a tone that didn’t quite sound like her.


    “Cliff.”


    Cliff swallowed, his throat tight, and answered, “Yes?”


    He expected her tosh out, to yell or hit him.


    Instead, she simply pouted, turning her head away as a soft sigh escaped her lips. Her eyes shut again.


    “I hate you, Cliff,” she whispered with a frown.


    A pang shot through Cliff’s chest. He couldn’t help it. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.


    “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice clumsy and inadequate. He had no idea how to make it right.


    After the kiss, something deeper within him stirred, and he couldn’t resist leaning closer, his lips grazing hers.


    Laney, still only half-awake, opened her eyes to meet his gaze.


    Frowning, she pushed him away.


    “Don’t touch me!”


    Her sleepy resistance felt like a gentle tease, not a real threat.


    Yet, he pulled back.


    As their distance grew, the shadow over her face lifted, revealing the tear-streaked path of her silent cry.


    Unlike the past, when her sobs had been loud and guttural, this time the tears flowed in quiet streams.


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