Chase Brother

Chase's POV:

The night seemed endless, and sleep was a distant thought. Instead, I lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts consumed by her—by us.

I couldn't stop thinking about the moment she allowed me to hold her. Her warmth against my cold skin was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It wasn't just physical—it was grounding. Her heartbeat had been steady but vulnerable, as if she were battling to keep control while her walls began to crack.

And then, there were her tears.

Leila crying wasn't what I expected. In all our time together, she'd been strong, determined, and unshakable, even when I'd pushed her. But tonight... she let herself feel. She didn't fight me off or snarl some cutting remark to push me away. She let me see her, and that... that was everything.