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Maverick's fingers comb gently through my hair as I lay with my head nestled on his shoulder. His steady breaths and the warmth of his body envelop me in a sense of comfort and security.
"I'm scared," I confess softly, tears pricking at my eyes. "What if he finds me again?"
Maverick's arm tightens around me. "I won't let him get anywhere near you," he says, his voice low but firm.
I glance up to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes makes my heart flutter.
"You can't know that for sure," I reply, hating the quaver in my voice.
Maverick brushes his thumb over my cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. "Yes, I can. I'm here with you now, and I'll keep staying with you, for as long as it takes. I promise."
His words thaw some of the icy fingers of fear gripping my chest. I manage a small smile. "Thank you. I'm glad I have you."
Maverick smiles back, a rare softness in his rugged features. He presses a kiss to my forehead.
We sit in silence for a few moments, drawing comfort from each other's presence. I focus on the steadiness of his breathing, the strength of his embrace.
I lift my head from Maverick's shoulder, my eyes searching his. There's a new intensity in his gaze that makes my pulse quicken. His eyes flick down to my lips, then back up to meet my stare.
Slowly, he reaches out, brushing back a lock of hair that has fallen across my cheek. His fingertips linger, tracing along my jawline. I shiver at his touch, electricity skittering across my skin.
I lean into him, tilting my chin up in invitation. Maverick's eyes darken, his desire evident. He slides his hand around to cradle the back of my neck, his fingers threading up into my hair.
Our lips meet, soft and seeking at first. Then the kiss deepens. I clutch at his shoulders, melting against him. Maverick pulls me closer, one hand pressed against the small of my back.
We come up for air, foreheads touching, breathing ragged. I trail my fingers down his chest, feeling the rapid pounding of his heart.
"Will it always be like this?" I whisper. "Will we always want each other this way?"
Slowly he nods, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "Always," he murmurs. "I'll always want you, my little songbird."
Our mouths find each other again, the rest of the world fading away.
But then Maverick breaks the kiss, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. His eyes are conflicted, brow furrowed. I can sense the internal war raging within him.
"Willow..." he begins, then trails off with a heavy sigh.
My fingertips trace the stubble along his jaw. "What is it?" I ask softly.
He closes his eyes briefly, leaning into my touch. When he opens them again, I see resignation.
"This...us...it's complicated," he says. "I have a job to do. I can't let my feelings get in the way of protecting you."
I nod, swallowing down the lump in my throat. I understand, but it still hurts.
"I know," I whisper.
We sit in loaded silence for several heartbeats. I can feel Maverick's inner turmoil, his desire and duty warring within. My own heart aches with want and uncertainty.
Finally, Maverick takes my hand, his thumb stroking over my knuckles.
"But when I'm with you like this...none of that seems to matter," he admits.
I meet his gaze again, seeing warmth and tenderness there now.
"I need you to know I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you."
Tears prick at my eyes. I lace my fingers through his, squeezing gently.
