Chapter 66: Promises in the Quiet
Isabella's POV
The world seemed to dissolve around us the second my lips met his.
There was no sound, no room, no thoughts, just warmth and breath and the terrifying realization that I was the one who'd crossed the line this time. I had leaned in, closed the space, let my heart take over before my head could catch up.
Alex's hand came up instinctively, his fingers brushing against my jaw like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to touch me yet. When I didn't pull away, he deepened the kiss, slow, deliberate, as though he wanted to memorize every heartbeat between us.
He tasted faintly of mint and smoke, his breath warm against mine. I felt the way he hesitated at first, testing, careful not to push too far, but then something inside both of us gave way a quiet surrender to what had been simmering for too long.
The tension, the bickering, the glances that lingered just a second too long, all of it came crashing into that moment.
