Ruby's POV
His lips hovered over mine, barely there.
A breath.
That’s all it would take.
My heart thundered in my chest so loud, I was sure he could hear it. Feel it. The heat between us crackled like firewood, quiet but consuming. His hand was still on the side of my face, fingers tangled just behind my ear, holding me like I was something precious—and fragile—and impossible to let go.
And then...
He kissed me.
Slow.
Sure.
A question and an answer all at once.
Not rushed. Not forceful. Just real,the kind of kiss that says I see you. I’ve always seen you.
And I broke.
I kissed him back.
My hands curled into the front of his shirt like I needed something to hold onto, like I wasn’t sure if the world would keep spinning if I didn’t anchor myself to him. His mouth moved against
