Ryan held Eve close on the couch, his arms a steady fortress around her fragile form. The dim light of the living room lamp cast soft shadows over them, highlighting the exhaustion etched into her features.
She had poured out her weariness, the battles with those who sought to wound her, and he had absorbed every word like a vow to shield her forever. Now, as she nestled against his chest, her breath evening out in the safety of his embrace, Ryan felt a profound tenderness swell within him.
He tilted her chin up gently with his fingers, his thumb brushing her lower lip. Her eyes, still shadowed by fatigue, met his with a quiet trust that made his heart ache. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers again, this time lingering, tasting the salt of unspoken tears on her skin. The kiss start
