Page 114 of Between Love & Ruin

“Love in today’s world has the strange power to make you aabad and barbaad in the same breath, doesn’t it? And I want that to be done by you.”

My breath catches in my throat. That’s the quote I added in my book because of Aisha’s words. The same one I caught on a note in his room but forgot about it.

“You remember every single word I write?” I taunt

“I remember everything when it comes to you.”

“You’re so annoying,” I say past a teary smile.

“So you keep saying.”

I let out a tiny laugh despite trying to control myself. To appear a little less affected by his presence, but I fail.

His eyes immediately soften.

“There she is.”

He reaches up slowly, giving me every opportunity to move away. But I don’t. Already tired from running away from him. His thumb catches one of my tears.

“I’m still mad at you.”

“I know.”

“I’m still hurt.”

“I know.”

“I haven’t forgiven you completely.”

“I’ll wait.”

I stare at him, a smile on my face.

“You came all the way here just to wait?”

“I came all the way here because I love you.”

My breath catches. I can never get tired of hearing that.

“And because I don’t want to go home without you. These twenty-four hours have been a pain in the ass.”

I don’t know who moves first. Maybe it’s him. Maybe it’s me.

All I know is that the distance between us disappears.

His hands settle around my waist, and I grab the front of his shirt, pulling him closer as his lips meet mine. His tongue tangles with mine, eliciting a groan from me.

The kiss is nothing like the frantic kisses we’ve shared before.

It’s slow and careful. And oh god, so romantic.

Like we’re both trying to make sure the other one is really here.

When we pull apart, his forehead rests against mine.

“Come home with me.”

I close my eyes. For a moment, I think about everything.