dn't stoppe

cy textbook lying open on her lap. But she wasn't reading. Her eyes, though wide open, were fixed

It didn't press her to define things she wasn't ready to confront-especially not the f

wandered to h

feel seen in ways no one else ever had. It scared her more than anything. Because deep

t... h

n n

t the door. Her heart jumped as she moved quickly, p

lips in a whisper, caught b

neatly pressed cadet uniform, but his eyes-those eyes-held

t hear m

ved faintly.

he scent of the rain clung to him, along with s

hing her, water dripping onto the tile. Then, with a quiet sigh

" she muttered, shaking he

d you know that," he said

replied, her voice

already

r defenses like ivy. Jamal never pushed. He never forced her hand

way from the b

lling off his jacket and hanging it on the rack. "

ed by his consisten

ll

. Her on the couch, him leaning again

spoke.

dn't l

pushing me away wh

ound the edge of her

for

pause f

never wanted to feel this way," she said, barely above a wh

ne lik

I could f

itchen, trying to avoid him, trying to c

said gently behind her, "I

gnore

rabbed her wrist. His hand was warm and firm, and the contact sent a sh

llided with

eath c

l they were inches apart. She could feel his breath on her cheek-slow, steady, he

coul

e sound of her name sendin

intensity in his eyes. His gaze was burning, full of words he ha

r seen him

Never touched her. Never crosse

il

s, and she was sure he could

e you to love me. But I will never leave. Not until I have you. And even if I don

her breat

e I spoke to your dad years ago. I didn't want to burden you with what I felt.

h sincerity in h

was baring himself. And Alia... didn

ng shifted

eluctant

looked up in

he no

so softly it was almost los

mal he

years. Then, gently, reverently, he leaned forward and

cr

r her. The first touch. The first truth. The firs

ing po

hing