ONE-NIGHT EQUALS FOREVER

ttered the silence. "What's a woman

nder all those harsh edges. "Trying to forget a bad da

d was full and effortles

joking that hid the secrets we each had. His ey

your walls well." "But I

a little to hide the f

hind my ear with his fingertips. He touched me softly

y, his voice heavy with

ise of the city faded away, and the gap

way the layers I had been hidden behind for years. I felt naked, raw, and strang

" Callum asked in a hushe

ve trust easily, especially not to a man like him. "Believe?

ng smile that hinted at secrets. "G

something stronger and more important in its place. His hand slid

ou," he replied, his v

riers I had created shook. "That I'm broken

ack of my hand. "You are more than e

k twice, his lips touched mine. At first, they were hesitant, but gradually they become

melted into the moment. This kiss was more than simply a want;

le brighter when we eventually drew apart and br

His eyes showed a hint of vulnerability, just like the walls inside me were falling apa

?" I whispered,

g in a calm, steady voice. "Because I'm

hard, and before I could blink, tears were filling my eyes.

is fingertips. The touch was soft and grounding. "Juniper, everyone h

s honesty around me. The pain didn't fee

g breath. "I'm afrai

ace toward his. "Sometimes the most beaut

confidence. The kiss got deeper, strong but soft, as if we

ixing with the warmth between us. Time

ed and our air mixed. I wanted to believe that th

en the start of

't expect this from a man whose life was all about power and control. His eyes, w

on't have to do this a

at got bigger. "I've gotten used to

thumb barely touched my wrist. "Let

to protect myself and keep the weakness that was about to

ck up to my eyes. He said, "L

s. A calm fire grew through my chest and under my skin. It wa

te voice, "Juniper, you don

cade fall. His arms around me were a

owed our muttered promises. It wasn't just desire; it w

the penthouse. I slept next to Callum, and his calm, even breathing on my s

against me, a mix of hope and terror

grounded as I stood. I ran my fingers over the silky fabric of the

up, not caring about the ca

pain. This wasn't a goodbye, but it did mean goin

orning, and Callum's name w

and when he opened his eyes, he saw

on and turned his head toward th

had jus