Cruz:
The engine rumbled under us like a second heartbeat—steady, pulsing, familiar. She wrapped her arms around my middle, and her cheek pressed between my shoulder blades, where the fabric of my cut rubbed warm against her skin. I felt her. Every inch of her. She was softer tonight. No sass, no games. Just quiet and tight against me like I was the only thing holding her together.
I kicked off from the quarry, gravel spitting beneath the tires. We rode under the stars, the air cool and sharp as it kissed our skin. The wind tugged at her hair, some of it slipping loose to whip across my arms. Her fingers gripped tighter every time I leaned into a curve, like she was scared if she let go, I’d vanish again.
Maybe I would’ve. Before.
But not tonight.
Her scent clung to me. Sweet, feminin
