ALICE
By the time I finally got home, my patience was worn thin.
All day I had smiled through clenched teeth, endured Alex’s veiled comments, Emily’s calculated sweetness, the stupid games they played which were hella annoying.
By the time I closed the door behind me, my body felt heavy with restraint. I did not want to think anymore. I just wanted to be somewhere safe.
Leonard was already there.
The moment I slid into bed beside him, the tension in my shoulders eased. His presence always did that.
His hand found my waist, familiar and grounding, and when he kissed me, it was slow and reassuring.
I kissed him back, letting myself sink into the warmth of it, into the feeling that for now, nothing else mattered.
For a few moments, I let myself relax before I noticed it.
His lips
