"You are being patient with me, Roman," Julie whispered, her voice barely steady as her trembling hand rose to his face.
Her fingers brushed against his cheek, tracing the faint stubble there. His skin was warm beneath her touch, grounding, real.
Her eyes softened, lashes heavy with emotion. "I don't think I will ever get a man who is so patient with me… over—"
Her voice trailed into silence, her throat tightening, words lost in the whirlwind of feeling.
Roman didn't let her finish. He leaned forward, closing the distance in one decisive motion, his lips pressing over hers. Firm, commanding, yet achingly gentle.
Julie's breath caught. Her hands tightened instinctively against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palms.
His lips molded against hers with practiced restraint, not demanding, not rushing—simply sealing her confession with the kiss she hadn't dared to complete in words.
