During the party, I got closer to Salin than ever before. I was afraid he wouldn't accept my gift. My heart froze when, for a second, he stepped back, upset. But all he really wanted was for me to stay close, and I had denied him that. I was surprised, but happy, because that's what I want most between us too. I was sure of it. I felt that each threat I eliminated was like erasing a shadow between us. I wanted him to know he was free. That he didn't owe anything to anyone, not even to me.
So every hug was an excuse to hold him in my arms, and every whisper over the loud music was just an attempt to feel his skin a little closer. And he let me. He leaned into me like that was where he belonged. That got me excited, but not just with desire, it was more than that. That was the moment I realized I didn't want to hold anything back anymore. I wanted Salin. All of him. Not just the kisses, the touches, the looks. I wanted everything. And I was ready for it.
(...)
