Page 45 of Paws & Order
A low laugh escapes him.
“No.”
His gaze drops briefly.
Then returns to mine.
“Turns out I’m terrible at it.”
I shift closer.
Not much.
Just enough that our knees touch.
Neither of us pulls away.
Cassian’s voice roughens.
“Is this okay?”
I don’t even have to think about it.
“Yeah.”
His hand lifts.
Careful.
Slow.
Like he’s giving me every opportunity to stop him.
I don’t.
Not even a little.
For one suspended second, neither of us moves.
Then he kisses me.
It’s not dramatic.
There’s no lightning.
No fireworks.
No sudden orchestral soundtrack.
Just warmth.
And relief.
Like finally setting down something I’ve been carrying for far too long.
His hand settles against my jaw.
My fingers catch in the front of his shirt.
