Scarlet POV
Zain’s fingers brush lightly over my arms first, barely there, like he’s testing his own ability to do this. He takes his time, not rushing, not pushing, just easing into the moment like he’s carefully peeling away the tension from my skin.
“You okay?” he asks softly, his voice low and right next to me.
I nod quickly. “Yeah. It’s okay.”
His hands slide slowly over my shoulders, down to my waist. He keeps it light, never lingering too long in one spot, always listening to the way I breathe, the way my body reacts. It’s careful. Gentle. Like he’s afraid of doing something wrong.
“Tell me if it’s too much,” he murmurs. “Even a little. I need to know.”
“You’re fine, Zain,” I whisper, letting out a slow breath. “You’re doing good.”
He chuckles softly, the sound easing the ten
