Just enough to drink her in.
Spread out on the bed, blanket twisted around her. Hair messy. Lips swollen. Eyes dark and soft and locked on me like I’m the only thing in the room.
Yeah.
I’m done for.
My chest tightens in a way I haven’t felt in years.
Lord, I’ve been so alone.
Guarded.
Controlled.
A year of sleeping light. Checking locks twice. Watching every shadow as it might come for me—or the people I love.
But this isn’t even about all of that.
She sees me.
Not the cameras. Not the headlines. Not the version of me everyone else wants.
She sees me.
Me.
And for the first time in a long time, I feel seen.Really seen.
The thought sets fire to every rational thought in my brain.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” she asks, breathless.
“Debating where to start,” I say.
“Oh yeah?”
“Mhm.”
She props on her elbows and bends one knee, so damn sexy, my entire insides clench. “Where are you thinking first?”
“If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
She puckers her lips. “Give me a hint.”
I grab the ankle lying flat and tug her down the bed.
She squeals.
“Cold hands!” she laughs, trying to kick me away.
I grin. “Are you ticklish?”
“No—”
I drag my fingers lightly up her calf.
She jerks. “Okay, maybe a little—stop—Cash!”
