But I don’t.
I stay.
Because this is home.
And when he kisses me again, it’s not lust. It’s memory and promise and hope wrapped in skin.
We move together like we used to.
Like weneverstopped.
It’s tender. Quiet.
His breath on my neck.
My hand gripping his back.
Whispers passed between us—not dirty, not desperate. Just truths.
“I missed you.”
“I’m here now.”
“I love you.”
And when we finally still, tangled and warm, the room heavy with peace, I press my forehead to his and whisper the one thing I was never brave enough to say:
“You make me feel safe.”
Kaz doesn’t reply with words.
He just holds me tighter.
CHAPTER 45
KAZ
The hall outside Verzius’s apartment smells like grilled algae and too much perfume. It’s quiet, save for the low hum of the ventilation system and Dar’s tiny boots smacking against the floor as he skips ahead of me, humming something tuneless and wild. He’s got Nova’s rhythm and my volume, poor little bastard.
“Stay close,” I murmur, even though there’s no one around. He pivots in place like a fighter doing a loop, arms outstretched, and I catch him mid-spin.
“Whoa! Flight check failed, pilot.”
Dar giggles, flashing those ridiculous teeth of his—half human, half Vakutan, all trouble. “Emergency landing!” he declares, clinging to my leg like it’s part of the act.
I scoop him up without thinking, arms locking tight around his tiny frame.
We’re both a little sweaty from the long walk, and his head smells like some fruity soap Verzius probably buys in bulk, but under that is something familiar—something mine. Like burnt ozone and pine needles. Like memory.
“Let’s get you inside, starlight.”
He grins. “I like when you call me that.”
I blink. “Yeah?”
He nods solemnly, the way only a toddler can when they think they’re delivering divine truth. “It makes me feel big.”
Stars, kid. You’re already bigger than my whole damn universe.
