And just like that, the silence feels full, with understanding, relief, and love.
“We did it,” she whispers.
I walk over, pull her into my arms, and rest my forehead against hers.
“Yeah,” I murmur. “We really did.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Eva
The door clicks shut behind them, and I finally let out the breath I’ve been holding in what feels like all day.
Relief washes over me in a wave so strong I have to grip Esteban’s shirt just to stay grounded.
It’s done.
Noah knows.
Josy knows.
Nobody got punched—again.
And somehow, we survived it.
I lean my forehead against his, and we just stand there, suspended in the quiet like the world outside doesn’t exist.
“All that’s left now,” I murmur, “is telling my parents and Julia. And then… we’re free.”
Esteban’s breath brushes against my lips, warm and steady. “Free sounds good.”
I tilt my chin and kiss him, soft, slow, and full of everything I’ve been holding back through all the chaos. His lips move against mine like we’ve done this a thousand times, like we already know every beat of each other.
But this time it’s different.
His hand slides around my waist, pulling me closer until there’s nothing between us but heat. His other hand cradles the back of my neck, fingers threading into my hair. I feel him sigh into my mouth like he’s been waiting all day to breathe again.
Then his tongue presses into me, gentle, and I moan, unable to help it.
God, I love the way he kisses. Like he’s starving. Like he means it. Like I’m it for him.
Because I am.
His hands grip my hips and lift me slightly so I’m flush against him, my toes barely grazing the floor. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him deeper, hungrier, needing more now that all the fear and hiding is gone.
I pull back slightly, breathless, my forehead against his again. “I think I could kiss you forever.”
He grins, his eyes dark and burning. “You better.”
I laugh, even as my heart thuds in my chest like a drum. “You know my parents are going to freak out, right?”
“Oh, I’m counting on it,” he says, kissing the corner of my mouth. “I’m gonna win them over with pasta and tostones.”
I roll my eyes, still grinning. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you love it.”
I do. God, I do.
