Aria pov
"I know."
"Do you believe me?"
I considered the question. My fingers curled against my palm. I watched a plane move across the night sky, its lights blinking red.
"I'm starting to," I admitted finally. "Which terrifies me."
"Why?"
"Because believing in you means hoping." I turned to face him. His eyes were darker in the dim light, fixed on me with an intensity that made my breath catch. "And hope is dangerous because it gets you hurt."
"Not if it's placed in the right person." He met my eyes. "And I'm going to be that person, Aria. Even if it takes the rest of my life."
"That's a long time."
"Not nearly long enough." His hand reached for mine, fingers brushing my wrist before sliding down to lace with my fingers. "Not when it comes to you."
His thumb traced small circles on my palm. The simple touch sent heat spreading up my arm. I let him take my hand, let him pull me closer. One step. Then another. Until there was barely any space between us.
