Chapter 26. Shield Her. Protect Her. But from What?

KROSS

I stared at her longer than I should, feeling my heart kick against my chest, which was very abnormal for me.

Had she always been this beautiful? She looked like she was glowing, and her red hair seemed more vibrant than usual. I had never seen her with her hair down so this was a new sight for me.

Her hair was long, almost reaching her stomach. It framed her face, and I wanted to push it back so I could see her face more clearly.

My hand raised as if it had a mind of its own, moving slowly. She watched me, not making any attempt to move, so I got bold and brushed her cheekbone, my heart once again kicking hard against its cage when I noticed she leaned into the touch.

She barely moved, but I noticed just the slightest tilt of her head and that got my heart wild. That little reaction made me brave. I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, lingering for way too long.

She looked fragile with her hair down. More softer. Less fierce. And I want