The moment Julian’s lips crashed against hers, Lexi forgot how to breathe.
There was no hesitation this time.
No space between them.
No carefully measured restraint.
Just heat, desperation, and something dangerously close to need.
Julian’s hands were firm as they cupped her face, tilting her head back, claiming her like he had every right to.
And maybe he did.
Maybe she had been his all along, even when she tried to pretend otherwise.
Her fingers twisted in the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer, because the truth was.
She didn’t want him to stop.
Not this time.
Not when he had finally stopped running.
His grip slid down, fingers skimming over the small of her back, pressing her against him.
A low sound rumbled in his throat, something raw, almost pained, like he had bee
