Page 150 of Ranger's Wildflower

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She steps into me.

Not hesitant.

Not unsure.

She just—

Chooses me.

Her hands fist in my shirt as she presses into my chest, and I don’t even think—

I pull her in.

Hard.

One arm around her back, the other cradling her head, holding her like if I let go—

She might disappear.

“You’re okay,” I murmur against her hair. “I’ve got you.”

Her breath is uneven against me.

Her heart racing.

Mine isn’t any better.

Because the truth is—

I almost lost her.

That thought alone—

It wrecks me.

She pulls back just enough to look up at me.

And there’s something in her eyes now.

Not just fear.

Not just adrenaline.

Something else.

Something that’s been building between us—

Breaking loose.

“Ace…” she whispers.

And that’s it.

That’s all it takes.

I don’t think.

Don’t hesitate.

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