Chapter 277

His grip was firm but not forceful, almost gentle in its desperation, as if he was afraid that if he loosened it even slightly, she would disappear from his life altogether.

“What changed now, Moosa? Don’t you still want to hurt me?” Her question carried confusion and disbelief, the words hanging between them like something fragile that might break if either of them moved too quickly. She searched his face for clarity, for a reason that would make sense of his sudden surrender, her eyes moving slowly over every familiar line and shadow, hoping to find an answer he hadn’t yet spoken.

Moosa hugged her. Tightly. He wrapped both his arms around her and pressed her body against his, pulling her in as though the space between them had become unbearable. His face nuzzled into the soft curve of her neck and he closed his eyes, letting himself sink completely into the moment. The familiar warmth of her skin brushed against his cheek, the faint scent of her hair filled his lungs w