章 301: Busy with my girlfriend

"No," she whispered. "I'm scared of what you make me feel."

Jace's eyes softened, and his grip loosened ever so slightly, though he didn't let her go. "Then don't fight it, Grace. It's mutual."

He took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together, and pressed a kiss against her knuckles. "You don't have to be afraid of anything, Grace."

She bit her lip and looked away for a second before finally nodding,

Jace's thumb caressed the back of her hand and for a moment, the room fell into a comfortable silence. 

Jace could feel her slowly relaxing against him, her body no longer tense but yielding to his embrace. 

His heartbeat quickened when she leaned her head against his chest, as if she was finally letting herself trust him, just a little more.

"I love you, Jace," she whispered, almost to herself, but Jace heard her.