“It’s not as bad as it could be,” he said softly. “But you need to rest.”
He started cleaning the wound, his touch efficient but careful.
I watched him work, trying to make sense of this version of him. The one who was keeping me alive.
He finished wrapping the wound, his hands lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
When he looked up, our faces were too close. I could see the faint lines around his eyes, the tension in his jaw.
The air between us was thick, charged with something I didn’t want to name.
“Thanks,” I whispered.
The word felt inadequate, but it was all I had.
His eyes softened, just a fraction. “Don’t mention it.”
I expected him to pull away, to retreat behind his usual armor.
But he stayed there, his knees on the worn wooden floor, his hands resting on my thigh.
All I could feel was the steady pressure of his hands, the coolness of his skin against mine.
I didn’t know what possessed me, but I reached out, my fingers brushing against his cheek.
His eyes widened, surprise flickering there. He didn’t pull away.
“Gael…” I started, but the words caught in my throat.
His lips parted slightly.
“Don’t,” he murmured. “Not unless you mean it.”
I wasn’t sure what I meant. My mind was a mess of contradictions, but my body knew.
My heart pounded, my skin prickling with awareness. I leaned forward, the world narrowing to just this. Just him.
Our lips met, tentative and searching. The kiss was nothing like I expected. It wasn’t rough or angry; it was soft, almost hesitant.
Gael’s mouth was cool, but his touch was electric, sending a shock through me.
I pressed closer, my hand sliding to the back of his neck, holding him there like he might disappear if I let go.
He kissed me back, the pressure deepening, his fingers tightening on my thigh. Heat curled low in my belly, chasing away the cold.
I didn’t think about the past or the future, just the now. The feel of his mouth on mine, the way his body leaned into me, solid and real.
This was the third time we kissed, but this time, I wasn’t as conflicted about it.
When we finally pulled back, my breath came in ragged gasps. His eyes were wide, his mask shattered. He looked almost…vulnerable.
“That was…” he started, but he didn’t finish.
I nodded, my throat tight. “Yeah.”
Silence settled over us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was heavy with everything unsaid. Everything we weren’t ready to admit.
He stood up slowly, his hands slipping away from me. I felt the loss of his touch like a physical ache.
