Lanry’s grip on Maylen tightened the second her back pressed into him. It wasn’t rough, but it was desperate. His breath hit the side of her neck like he had been holding it for hours. She felt his entire body tremble behind her. Not with fear. With need.
Aiden didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He only watched. And that somehow made all of it more intense.
Lanry buried his face in Maylen’s hair for a moment, inhaling her like it was keeping him alive. She felt his chest rise sharply and then fall again, like he was fighting something inside himself. His lips brushed her shoulder as he whispered against her skin.
“One step. That’s all you gave me.” His voice cracked. “But you don’t understand what that does to me.”
Her legs weakened. She didn’t answer. She couldn’t.
Aiden’s eyes flickered
