And there it was. That beautiful smile again. She nodded and then looked back at the stream.
“C’mon,” I urged, taking a step away from her and turning back around toward the path that led to the creek.
But I came to a sudden stop when I felt a tug on the back of my suit. Frowning, I glanced back to see Ayla looking at me with panic in her eyes.
Turning around so that I could face her, Ayla slowly let go of my jacket. She brought her hand up and placed it over her chest. I could see her breathing harder than before, her face filled with uncertainty and nervousness.
“Ayla?” I questioned, worried.
She took a deep breath and then stepped closer. My eyes widened at her bold movement and I sucked in a shocked breath.
Ayla looked down and I waited, my heart beating wildly in my chest.
Her next words were my undoing.
“Can you please hold me?” she asked softly, her voice barely a whisper.
I never expected her to utter those words. When I brought Ayla here, all I wanted was to give her this small peace. But I never expected anything in return.
I didn’t realize how badly I actually wanted to hold her in my arms. Not until she said those words.
With my heart in my throat, I took a step toward Ayla, until we were only an inch apart. We were so close; I could feel her warmth. She was still looking down, purposely avoiding my gaze. But I wanted those beautiful green eyes on me.
Bringing my hand up, I placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head up until her warm eyes met mine. “Are you sure?” I asked, wanting her confirmation. I was scared. Scared that she would take it back, leaving me hopeless again.
But then she nodded. And that was all the answer I needed. Without wasting any time, I wrapped my arms around Ayla’s tiny waist, gently pulling her into my body until I had her firmly enveloped in my arms.
She felt so small against me. So fragile. And I felt intensely protective. My arms slightly tightened around her as she rested her head on my chest, right over my racing heart. Ayla placed a hand over my chest and she curled into my body, making herself comfortable.
I closed my eyes, letting her warmth and sweet smell fill my senses. When was the last time I held someone in my arms?
Never.
When was the last time I felt like this? So peaceful. And lively.
It was as if Ayla had breathed life into me.
With her wrapped in my arms, I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want this moment to end.
I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, lost in each other. Lost in this perfect moment. But I knew it had to end.
Slowly pulling away, I looked down at Ayla. Her fingers were still wrapped around my suit, refusing to let go. She tilted her head back, staring up at me. I blinked down, completely mesmerized by her.
Every time I tried to get myself under control, she made me lose it. Ayla didn’t even have to do anything. One look and I was completely lost in her.
Without thinking, I brought a hand up and ran a finger down her soft cheek, my touch almost feather light. She sighed in contentment and a small smile played across her face, bringing my attention to her lips.
I could feel myself losing the small control I had left. Palming her cheeks gently, I bent my head toward hers until our lips were only inches apart. But I stopped.
Ayla moved closer to me, until our bodies were plastered together. My heart fluttered but still I didn’t touch my lips to hers. I looked into her eyes and waited.
I had promised Ayla that I wouldn’t touch her until she asked me. Until I had her permission. And this moment, I wanted it to be her choice.
I wanted her to choose. I wanted her acceptance.
Ayla’s gaze softened and she gave me a small nod. I didn’t give her a chance for second thoughts, instead as soon as I saw her nod, my head was already descending toward hers until my lips were pressed gently on hers.
I waited for Ayla to pull away, but when she sighed against my lips and melted in my arms, my heart stuttered at her reaction. I held her gently, as if she was a precious jewel. My lips explored hers at a slow pace. I kissed her as if we had all the time in the world.
My lips moved tenderly over hers, taking my sweet time. When I put the slightest pressure, deepening the kiss just a little bit, I felt her fingers tighten around the fabric of my suit.
I didn’t push for more.
It was just a kiss. A small, sweet kiss.
That was it. Nothing more. Yet it felt more.
When Ayla let another sigh, I pulled away. We were both breathing hard. I could feel how fast her heart was beating. It matched the same rhythm as mine.
Ayla’s cheeks were flushed, her lips a little swollen and red from my kiss. She blinked up at me, and the look in her eyes…it took my breath away.
Her eyes were warm and soft. But that wasn’t it. It was the look of pure adoration there that took my breath away.
In that moment, I realized that was the first time I had given her a kiss.
We kissed before. Twice to be exact. But those kisses…I took them. Without considering her feelings. All I cared about was me. What I wanted.
But this kiss…I gave it to her, wholeheartedly. The look in her eyes, I gave this to her.
Her eyes were filled with awe as she brought her hand up and placed a finger on her lips. At her reaction, I felt myself softening even further.
For years, I had lived in the darkness with no emotions. I had remained unfeeling.
Yet, with one look from Ayla, I felt everything.
And that scared me.
Whenever I felt something for Ayla, Alfredo’s voice resonated in my head. I would never forget the words he said to my mother.
The best way to bring a man down is by his weakness.
What I said to Maddie was the truth. This was not about me. It was about Ayla and what was right for her.
I let her go, and she blinked in surprise when I took a step back, forcing her to let go of me.
“We need to get back,” I said, turning around, refusing to look at her confused expression.
“Okay,” she whispered, her small voice hinting her sadness.
Both of us were silent on our way back to the mansion. As we got closer, the sound of the rushing water started to fade until we didn’t hear it anymore. Breaking away from the forest, I took a deep breath as we walked into the back garden.
Ayla was right behind me, her steps so close she almost tripped herself over my feet. When we walked inside, I slowed down and turned toward her.
She stopped too and grabbed onto the hem of her dress nervously. “I’ll see you later,” I muttered. Ayla nodded and then walked away without saying anything.
I felt my eyebrows furrow in confusion when I saw her walking toward the kitchen. Quickly moving forward, I grabbed her elbow, halting her movement.
She gasped in shock and swiveled around, facing me with wide eyes. “Where are you going?” I demanded, letting go of her arm.
“To the kitchen,” Ayla replied.
Crossing my arms across my chest, I leveled her with a stare. “Why?”
She cocked her head to the side, as if debating what to tell me. “To help Maddie and Lena.”