Under the Grit

I Wanna Be Yours

Evangeline's heart raced, her thoughts tangled in a web of emotions she couldn't begin to untangle. Every touch, every kiss, every soft murmur of her name felt like a lifeline and a weight all at once. It wasn't just about Arthur-it was about everything he represented. Safety, desire, something raw and real that she hadn't let herself feel in far too long.

But it was also terrifying.

What am I doing? The question pressed at the edges of her mind, even as her fingers trailed along the line of his jaw, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her touch. This wasn't just a moment-this was a choice, one that could shift everything between them, for better or worse.

Her breath hitched as his lips found hers again, slow and unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world. The way he kissed her wasn't rushed or demanding; it was deliberate, as though he was giving her space to stop, to pull away if she needed to. But she didn't. She couldn't.

I want this. I want him.

The realization settled over her like a tidal wave, equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. She didn't know what this would mean tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that. But right now, none of it seemed to matter. Right now, she wanted to be here, with him, and nothing else.

Evangeline's hands slipped under his shirt, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. Arthur's grip on her waist tightened, grounding her even as the rest of the world seemed to fall away. And yet, somewhere deep in her mind, another thought lingered, quiet but insistent: Is this real? Is this going to last?

The vulnerability of the moment sent a flicker of doubt through her chest, but Arthur's hand moved gently up her back, his touch soothing and steady. She couldn't help but lean into him, letting herself be consumed by the quiet intensity of his presence.

Her breath hitched as the kiss deepened, her lips parting instinctively, inviting him closer. When his tongue brushed against hers, a shiver coursed through her, the sensation sparking something deep and unfamiliar in her chest. It wasn't rushed or frantic; it was deliberate, filled with a quiet confidence that made her heart pound.

This is real, she thought, her mind swimming with the intensity of it all. This is happening.

Arthur slowed the kiss, his lips lingering against hers before pulling back just slightly. His blue eyes met hers, his gaze soft yet searching, as if trying to gauge where her thoughts were. He didn't say anything, giving her the space to speak if she needed to-or to stop if she wanted to.

Evangeline's chest rose and fell with uneven breaths, her heart pounding as she searched for the words to explain what she was feeling. But there were no words-just the overwhelming sensation of being completely consumed by him, and the quiet realization that she didn't want it to stop.

Her voice came out barely above a whisper, trembling but certain. "Arthur..."

He tilted his head slightly, his thumb brushing against her side in a gesture so gentle it made her chest tighten. "Yeah?"

She swallowed hard, her gaze dropping briefly to his lips before meeting his eyes again. "Don't stop."

Arthur's eyes softened at her words, his gaze holding hers for a moment longer before he leaned in again. His lips brushed against hers first, gentle and deliberate, before trailing a line down her jaw. Evangeline's breath hitched as he moved lower, his warm breath against her skin sending a shiver through her.

When his lips found her neck, she tilted her head slightly, giving him more space without even thinking. The sensation was intoxicating, his mouth soft but insistent, leaving a trail of warmth that made her pulse quicken. Her hands tightened their hold on his shirt, her body responding in ways she hadn't expected.