Chapter 21 A Gentle Kiss

• Lucas
• I stood there, gazing down at Ariana as she slept peacefully, her features bathed in the soft moonlight that filtered through the window. My fingers brushed against the strands of her hair, an instinctual desire to touch her, to be close to her, overcoming any rational thought.
• Unable to resist any longer, my lips met hers in a gentle kiss. It was meant to be tender, comforting, a silent reassurance of my presence.