Lena wasn't sure who moved first. All she knew was that one second, they were standing inches apart, and the nextâ
His lips were on hers.
And she didn't pull away.
The kiss started tentative, testing the waters, but the moment she leaned inâreally leaned inâsomething shifted. Jaxon's hands found her waist, pulling her closer as if he'd been holding back for too long, as if he needed this just as much as she did.
Her fingers curled into the fabric of his hoodie, anchoring herself to the moment, to him. His lips were warm, slow but sure, giving her space to pull away if she wanted to.
But she didn't.
Jaxon deepened the kiss, his touch firm yet careful, as if he knew how much this meantâhow much she was trusting him with.
When they finally broke apart, Lena's breath was uneven, her heart pounding against her ribs. Jaxon's forehead rested against hers, his hands still steady at her waist.
"You okay?" he murmured, voice softer than she'd ever heard it.
Lena swallowed, nodding. "Yeah."
His thumb traced slow, absent-minded circles against her hip. "Tell me if you ever want to stop."
Something tightened in her chestânot fear, not panic, just... something deep and unfamiliar. Something safe.
She exhaled, and for the first time in a long time, she meant it when she said, "I know I'm safe with you."
Jaxon's gaze searched hers, as if making sure she really meant it.
Then, with a soft smile, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Come with me."
Lena blinked. "Where?"
His smirk returned, but it was gentler this time. "Somewhere warmer."
Lena smirked, trying to lighten the moment. "What, am I not hot enough for you?"
Jaxon huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "Trust me, that's never been the problem."