That he can reach it in me even on the worst day of my life.
That I am still this hopeless, ruined, completely open person when it comes to Cassian.
• • •
His hands find my face first — both of them, cupping my jaw, tilting me up toward him — and he kisses me deeper this time.His tongue explores every part of my mouth, like he’s been craving this moment for years.
He kisses down my jaw, my throat.
Finding the places that make me lose my train of thought completely.
I can feel his stubble against my skin, the hard length of him pressing against me.
“Is this okay?” He murmurs against my lips, his breath hot on my skin.
“Yes,” I say, breathless. “Yes, please don’t stop. Yes to everything. All of it. Whatever you're about to do—yes."
He laughs against my neck. Low and warm and husky.
His hands move down my throat, my shoulders, sliding under the hem of my shirt and pulling it over my head in one slow, deliberate motion.
He sits back and looks at me, his eyes taking in every inch of my exposed skin, lingering on my chest, his gaze like a physical touch—every part of me he looks at shivering in anticipation.
“Fuck,” he breathes, his voice low and husky.
“Don’t stop,” I repeat, my voice barely a whisper.
He doesn’t stop.
His mouth finds my collarbone, moving down with intention, warm and wet, learning every place that makes me gasp.
I pull at his shirt and he yanks it over his head, and I put my hands on him, all over him, because I have been waiting and I am done waiting.
He’s hard everywhere.
He presses against me, solid and insistent.
“Cassian —"
“I know,” he says, low and certain. “I’ve got you.”
• • •
He takes me apart slowly.
His hands and his mouth explore every inch of me, lingering at my waistband, learning me the way you learn something you intend to keep.
He unbuttons my jeans, slides his hand inside, gripping me firmly.
The way he says my name when something feels too good —Ro, broken and low, nothing like the controlled version of himself he shows the rest of the world.
This Cassian has no barriers. I did that. I am so pleased with myself.
“I want everything, Ro. I want —” He starts.
“Yes,” I say. Before he finishes.
“I haven’t said —"
