Holding Anastasia tightly in his arms, Christian quietly savored the moment.
It was then, for the first time since they had met, the girl who had always remained passive in their relationship slowly wrapped her own small arms around his waist.
The embrace was gentle, almost hesitant, as though she feared that using even a little more strength might somehow break something.
Christian's smile widened.
One of his hands, which had been resting against her bare shoulder, slowly moved up to her head, gently patting her soft hair.
Neither of them spoke. They simply remained like that, surrounded by a comfortable silence that stretched on for many long minutes.
Eventually, Christian felt the arms around his waist gradually loosen.
