~LYRA'S POV~
His lips met mine again, and this time there was no pulling back.
The kiss started soft, almost careful, like we were both testing whether this was really allowed now. My hand came up to rest against his chest, not pushing him away, just feeling the steady beat of his heart under my palm. It was racing. So was mine.
I broke the kiss first, only enough to breathe.
"Ryland," I whispered, "Are we really doing this?"
He didn't answer right away. His forehead rested against mine, eyes closed, breath warm on my lips. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and rough.
"I've been waiting for you to come to me, Lyra. If you want to stop, say it now. But if you're here… then yes. We're doing this."
I swallowed hard. My fingers curled into his shirt. "I don't want to stop. I just… I need you to know I'm still a mess inside."
