The silence that followed my last word wasn’t filled with answers. Only with breaths.
One behind me, slow and deep.
One in front of me, more irregular, as if holding something ready to spill over.
And mine, trapped between the two, beating in my throat like a secret I couldn’t hide anymore.
Kael hadn’t moved. His chest was still grazing my back, warm and firm. I could feel him inhale, feel him exhale. Each time, a wave of heat ran down my spine like an invisible caress. His hand on my waist didn’t tighten, didn’t demand. It was just there. Holding me.
Lean didn’t step back either. He still held my arm with the same gentleness as before, but now his thumb moved in small, steady circles, barely perceptible. A gesture that seemed to say: I’m here, if you choose not to run.
And I didn’t
