Page 101 of Snow

Snow lifted his head slowly, his gaze finding hers. The intensity was still there, but it had softened. He leaned down and kissed her. This kiss wasn’t like before. There was no urgency or hunger behind it. Just slow, warm, and grounding. His lips moved against hers in a way that made something deep in her chest tighten. It was gentle, almost careful, like he was memorizing her instead of consuming her.

And somehow, that undid her just as much.

A soft shiver ran through her, even with the heat still clinging to her skin.

Eventually, he eased back, withdrawing from her slowly. They both winced faintly at the separation, the loss of that fullness leaving her body feeling strangely empty.

Nova barely moved, sprawled across the bed, limbs heavy, completely spent as the aftermath settled into her bones.

She watched him as he moved, disposing of the condom, disappearing into the bathroom for a moment before returning with a warm, damp washcloth.

He cleaned her with slow, deliberate movements, taking his time.

This man just wrecked me, and now he’s being careful like I’m something fragile?

The contrast made her chest tighten in a way she didn’t quite understand.

When he finished, he tossed the cloth aside and slipped back into bed beside her, pulling her against him without hesitation. The covers came up around them, cocooning them in warmth as he settled behind her, his arm draping over her waist.

She melted into him, getting herself comfortable with his arms wrapped around her. But she felt it and went still for half a second before a quiet laugh slipped out of her.

“Seriously?” she asked, her voice full of amusement.

Behind her, Snow shifted slightly. “What?” he murmured, his voice still rough.

She bit her lip, smiling to herself before glancing back at him over her shoulder. “Already? Don’t you need a break?” she said softly.

Snow huffed out a quiet laugh against the back of her neck.

“Hey,” he murmured, his voice still rough but mixed with amusement. “Don’t blame me. That’s just my body recognizing a very good thing when it’s wrapped around me.” His hand slid lazily along her waist, fingers brushing her stomach. “Can’t exactly tell it to stand down when you feel like that.”

Nova shook her head as she smiled.

Behind her, Snow shifted and pulled her closer, his warm, solid chest pressing against her back. His arm tightened around her waist, anchoring her there, and she found herself settling into him, her body fitting against his like it had already decided this was where she belonged.

In the cocoon of blankets and lingering heat, everything felt quieter, peaceful, and safer.

Her fingers curled loosely over his forearm where it rested against her.

God… just a week ago I couldn’t stand him.

The thought almost made her laugh because here she was now, naked in his bed, and letting him hold her.

It was insane, and should have felt wrong. It should have made her pull away. But it didn’t. Because underneath all the confusion and the chaos of how fast everything had shifted, there was something else. Something quieter, and harder to ignore. It all felt so real. She was falling for Gabe Iverson.

“Nova?” Snow whispered.

“Hmm.”

“I’m never letting you go,” he murmured, his voice full of sleep.

She didn’t answer. She just smiled and sank further into his arms. She closed her eyes as exhaustion finally claimed her.

But in the back of her mind, she told herself that she wasn’t letting him go either.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Snow woke because he couldn’t feel his left arm.