章 77: I wanted to be close to you

As the night deepened, the warmth of Seraphina's embrace lulled me into a light sleep. But after a few hours, I stirred, feeling a gentle touch on my cheek. Opening my eyes, I found Seraphina watching me, her gaze tender and filled with something I hadn't seen before—a mix of vulnerability and desire.

"Emily," she whispered, her voice a soft caress in the darkness. "Are you awake?"

"Yes," I replied, my voice equally soft, caught in the intimacy of the moment. "Is everything okay?"

She nodded, her fingers trailing along my cheek. "I just... I wanted to be close to you."

Her touch sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a surge of emotions—love, longing, and a deep-seated desire that I had kept buried for so long. I reached up to cup her hand against my face, my thumb gently stroking her skin.

"Seraphina," I murmured, my heart pounding in my chest. "I've wanted this too."