"You once told me my heart beats louder around you," Casian murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "Let me tell you why, Lyra."
Before she could respond, he swept her into his arms with a suddenness that stole her breath. A soft gasp escaped her lips as her hands instinctively clung to his shoulders, wide eyes locked on his face.
"Casian—"
But he didn't answer. He simply carried her across the room, each step deliberate, each heartbeat echoing like thunder between them. When they reached the large bed, he lowered her gently onto the plush mattress, cradling her like something rare. Precious.
Then, with a quiet intensity that made her skin burn, he hovered above her—his body shielding her, his face just inches from hers.
Lyra's breath hitched as his eyes roamed her face, lingering on her parted lips before flicking back to her gaze. She forgot how to breathe.
But then… he smiled.
