Chapter 273

Maxine’s POV

Ronan’s eyes darkened. There was a mix of desire and vulnerability in his eyes. He looked like he wasn’t entirely sure if he could trust me. This new shift wasn't something he expected.

But he was drawn to it and me. I could see the conflict in his eyes. There was a part of him that wanted to stay guarded and protect himself. He was warring with the part of himself that wanted to believe in this new possibility: this part of me that wanted him.

I leaned in even closer, closing the distance between us. My lips were just mere inches away from his. “I’m here, Ronan,” I said quietly, almost pleading. “I’m not going anywhere, not if you don’t want me to.”

He hesitated. His breath caught in his throat and his gaze dropped to my lips before they flicked back up to my eyes. “Maxine…” he started but I cut him off, pressing a finger to his lips.

“Shh,” I whispered, my heart racing. “Just feel.”

And then I leaned in and kissed h