I felt it—that sensation. A part of me craved a man’s touch, like the way Declan was holding me now. His lips brushed against mine softly, warm and reassuring. I couldn’t resist him, even though my mind warned me of a heart I needed to protect.
No matter how much I tried to restrain myself, the wall I’d built around me started to crumble with Declan’s patient presence. He only kissed me, never asking for more, and I found myself willing to give in. My mind wanted to keep kissing him, nonstop, until I was out of breath.
I felt Declan’s fingers gently wipe the wetness from my lips. As he touched my cheek, I instinctively leaned into his hand, basking in the warmth, as if I’d finally found the protection I’d longed for.
“I’ve loved you since the second you came back into my life. I had
