Chapter 56. Not Worthy of You

I get so close. Insides somersaulting with the need to kiss him. I run my fingers up his cheek and cup his face, pulling him close so softly my mouth grazes his lips, and I feel him physically sag into my touch. Melting against my briefest connection, his pupils dilating as I bring his forehead to mine. No matter what he says or how he acts, his truth is always in our touch, and he cannot deny its effect on both of us. That need to pour into each other and inability to fight when we touch.

“I’m not worthy of you. Today showed me that.” It’s husky, strained, and low. It’s self-pity and exhaustion. Defeat because his father knocked him down again and left him reeling from cruel words. I refuse to accept what he’s saying is true to what he’s feeling, and instead of anger, I lean up and press my lips gently to his. Startling him with the sudden contact and refusing to back down.

It takes a second of pause, his body going rigid before he relaxes, pushes his face forward to ki