جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 53

My lips brushed his, soft, tentative at first, tasting, testing, and I felt a shiver race down my spine. Aiden’s hands cupped my face, strong and steady, pulling me closer until every inch of me pressed against him. His mouth claimed mine with more urgency, and I responded instinctively, my fingers threading into his messy hair, holding on as if I could never let go.His tongue traced mine slowly, teasing, exploring, igniting a fire deep in my chest. I gasped into the kiss, breath mingling with his, and he hummed low against me, a sound that vibrated through my body. Each press of his lips, each flick of his tongue, sent a pulse of heat through my veins, making me ache for more, though I held back, not ready to surrender fully.Our foreheads touched as we paused, panting, hearts hammering in sync. He pulled me into his chest briefly, the warmth of his body pressing against mine, and then kissed me again, this time deeper, slower, more demanding, as though he was memorizing every curve

The strength I carried from the night before did not disappear when morning came, but it shifted. It settled deeper. Quieter.The dream still lingered at the edges of my mind, fragments of running feet and shadows chasing me through endless corridors. But this time, I had not been alone. I had felt Aiden beside me, watching me with that quiet focus that always made me feel seen even when I wanted to disappear. His hand brushed my arm as I sat up.I needed it.“You do not have to face them alone,” he said softly.I offered a small smile that did not quite reach my eyes. “I know. But I have to walk in alone.”The letter from the disciplinary board lay folded in my bag like a ticking clock. I dressed carefully, deliberately. Not to impress. Not to defend myself with appearance. But to remind myself that I still belonged to myself. That whatever they decided today did not erase the years I had worked to stand where I was. Aiden watched me quietly as I gathered my things inside my bag.“I