Chapter 76 Aspen
Aspen
Ishould stop.
That thought flickers once.
Then disappears.
Because he’s kissing me like this is the only thing that matters.
Like I’m the only thing that matters.
And I can’t walk away from that.
Not anymore.
My fingers curl into his shirt.
Holding on.
Grounding.
He pulls back just enough to look at me.
His eyes are darker now.
Focused.
Not on the mission.
Not on the danger.
On me.
“This changes things,” he says.
“I know.”
“You’re sure?”
I nod.
No hesitation.
“I’m sure.”
That’s all he needs.
His mouth finds mine again.
Slower this time.
Deeper.
My back meets the wall behind me.
I don’t remember moving. I don’t remember walking into his room. But here we are.
His hand slides up my side.
I’m careful of his injury.
“Havoc,” I whisper again.
His breath hitches.
“Say my name again,” he murmurs against my lips.
I do.
And something in him breaks.
His restraint snaps.
The kiss turns hungrier.
Rougher.
Not careless.
Just real.
Like we’ve both been holding back too long.
My hands move to his shoulders—
Then pause.
“You’re hurt,” I say softly.
“I’ll live.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
He rests his forehead against mine.
Breathing hard.
“I know,” he says quietly.
And for a second—
We just stay there.
Connected.
Grounded.
Real.
Then his hand slides to my hip again.
Pulling me closer.
And this time—
I don’t hesitate.
Because this isn’t about what we should do.
It’s about what we already chose.