Ava’s POV
Liam hovered over me, his gaze locked onto mine as if I was the only thing he could see. His touch, once teasing and deliberate, now rested gently against my sides, a silent promise of restraint. Yet, despite his carefulness, I felt the heat radiating from his body, the quiet intensity of his presence making my breath catch.
His fingers brushed against my waist, tracing slow, featherlight patterns that sent a shiver through me. My body reacted before my mind could catch up—thrilled, afraid, desperate, and overwhelmed all at once.
Liam’s expression shifted, his stormy eyes softening as he read the conflict in mine. He exhaled deeply, his forehead briefly pressing against mine, grounding me in the warmth of him. Then, instead of pushing forward, instead of taking more—he simply
