A Love Meant to Last

Chapter 13

Lanesra hurried across the parking lot, rain soaking through her coat as she fumbled with her car keys. She had spent the entire afternoon debating whether she had made the right choice to give Kade another chance, but before she could process her thoughts, a sudden movement caught her attention.

A shadow emerged from between two parked cars, and before she could react, a strong hand clamped over her mouth. Panic surged through her veins as she struggled against the grip of a man dressed in dark clothing. He whispered something she couldn’t understand before yanking her towards a van idling at the edge of the lot.

She kicked wildly, her screams muffled against his hand. Her heart pounded as adrenaline took over, and just as she felt herself losing the battle, the distant sound of someone shouting her name sliced through the chaos.

"Lanesra!"

Kade.

His voice was a beacon in the storm, cutting through her fear. She thrashed harder, her elbow connecting with her attacker’s ribs. He cursed, loosening his grip just enough for her to break free. As she stumbled back, Kade was already charging forward, his fists landing with brutal precision.

The struggle was brief but vicious. The attacker, realizing he was outmatched, darted toward his van, tires screeching as he sped away into the night. Kade barely had time to catch his breath before turning to Lanesra, his eyes wild with fear and anger.

"Are you okay?" he demanded, gripping her arms tightly as if to anchor her in place.

She nodded shakily, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I-I think so."

He pulled her into his arms, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe, but she didn’t care. She sank into him, her body trembling as reality crashed over her.

"I could have lost you," he murmured into her hair. "Lanesra, I—"

She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. "You didn’t."

The weight of the moment settled between them, thick with unspoken words. This was their wake-up call. The universe’s cruel way of reminding them that life was fragile, and love—true love—was worth fighting for.

Kade cupped her face, his thumb brushing away her tears. "I love you. And I’m done wasting time doubting that."

A sob caught in her throat as she gripped his jacket. "I love you too. Always."

And just like that, the wall between them crumbled.

Kade pressed his lips to hers, slow and deep, pouring every ounce of his love and desperation into the kiss. Lanesra responded in kind, her fingers threading through his damp hair, pulling him closer. The rain still poured around them, but neither of them cared.

He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to his car without breaking their embrace. The moment they reached his apartment, urgency took over. Clothes were discarded hastily, and hands explored familiar yet distant territory. Each touch reignited the passion that had always burned between them, a passion that had been buried beneath months of pain and uncertainty.

Lanesra gasped as Kade’s lips trailed down her neck, his hands worshiping every inch of her skin. He murmured her name like a prayer, as if reaffirming that she was still his, still here, still real. Their bodies molded together, their love speaking louder than any words ever could.

When they finally lay entwined in each other’s arms, breaths still heavy, Kade traced lazy circles on her back. "No more doubts," he whispered. "No more running."

She smiled against his chest, feeling the safest she had in months. "No more running."

And for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.