Chapter 72

Ezra’s POV

Her lips were soft against mine, hesitant at first, but then she melted into me.

That one kiss, God, it was everything I had been holding back for weeks.

All the nights I told myself she was off-limits, all the moments I tried to pretend I didn’t want her, all the times I pushed her away just to keep my own damn conscience intact… it all came rushing out in that single, desperate kiss.

When she kissed me back, it felt like the world finally tilted into place.

I slid my hand up to her cheek, cupping it gently, terrified she’d pull away but she didn’t.

She leaned closer, her fingers fisting in my shirt like she was afraid I’d vanish if she let go. My heart hammered so hard I was sure she could feel it.

Her taste was sweet, intoxicating, and I wanted more but I forced myself to slow down, to savor the way her lips moved with mine.

This wasn’t about lust, not this time. This was everything I had never been brave enough to