50 parts Complete Highest Ranks:
#1 & #2 in Badboyseries
#1 in Cancerpatient
#1 in Cancersurvivor
#1 in Tattoos
|| Completed & Edited ||
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"Please don't leave me," I croaked, voice fractured and small. "I-I-I'm scared. Don't leave me, please."
Lucien's sneakers hit the floor before I finished my sentence. He climbed onto the bed and pulled me gently into his arms, his chest behind mine, strong and anchored.
"I wouldn't," he murmured against the side of my face. "I'm here, I won't."
His hands moved with an uncharacteristic softness, not filled with arrogance, no sharp edges. Just warmth.
What was he doing? I felt him hesitate, then bring a thumb to my cheek. He wiped away the tear I hadn't noticed falling. The moment his skin brushed mine, something inside me steadied.
The Lucien I knew-quick-tongued and distant-was gone.
My breaths slowed. The tightness inside my chest softened. And still, his hands remained gentle, mapping out the curve of my cheek like he was trying to memorise it.
"You're no good for me," I whispered hoarsely, leaning my head against his shoulder, eyes wet.
"I can't deny my feelings, Amara," he said, his voice more like a confession than an excuse. "I try, every time, I do. But your innocence haunts me and I'm left coming back to you."
He brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes. That simple act shattered every version of him I had thought I understood.
"You're going to hurt me," I warned, my voice brittle.
His gaze stayed locked on mine. "I can't promise I won't, Amara. I wish I could. I'm flawed. I'm angry. I'm still learning how not to run. But I want you. I want every version of you, even the parts I don't deserve."
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|| Sequel to How To Love : Chasing Secrets ✓ ||