Seven watched Sana intently, his heart hammering against his ribs. Yet, he couldn’t dismiss the pressing question that had taken root in his mind. “How could you develop feelings for me without knowing anything about me?”

  Sana turned toward the window and stared at the faint specks of silver scattered across the inky sky, as if searching for her answer there. Her voice was soft, almost fragile. “In my darkest hour, when I had lost all hope, you appeared out of nowhere. You pulled me back from the edge. Even when I was slipping in and out of consciousness, I could hear you reassuring me that I was safe… that no one would hurt me again.”

  Her delicate frame trembled, eyes glistening. She continued, her words tinged with the weight of her painful memories. “Since then, I’ve been in therapy for PTSD. My parents would sit in sometimes; they understand that apart from my family and the man who saved me, I don’t feel safe with others. Especially men. But after learning that you saved me—both then and now—I know my family has already embraced you as one of us.”

  The sight of her crying shook him, and a feeling of helplessness seized his chest. He reached out, his calloused thumb tenderly brushing away the tears streaking her cheeks. “Kasra and I had a chat this morning. I told him you deserve someone who can provide you with the same lifestyle that your family has. Now I understand why he said it isn’t what you’d need from your partner.”

  A spark of determination lit his expression as he took her hand, his grip firm but gentle. “If you’ve already chosen me in your heart, I’ll do whatever it takes to be worthy of you.”

  Sana’s features softened, but uncertainty flickered in her eyes. “Are you saying this out of sympathy?” she murmured. “I won’t settle for anything less than genuine love. I’d rather navigate life solo if our feelings aren’t mutual.”

  His piercing gaze locked onto hers. “I’m into you, Sana. I point-blank told Kasra when he asked me if I liked you. But I’m just an orphan; I don’t think your parents would approve. I told him I’d leave once James recovers. I don’t think I can stomach seeing you with someone else.”

  Processing his admission, an unspoken question hovered on her lips. “Why do you like me, then?”

  His ocean-blue irises darkened, his thoughts pulling him back to that moment in time. “When I first saw you, I noticed you were drugged. You looked helpless, scared… barely holding on. I felt an instinct to protect you.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  He hesitated, a shadow crossing his features. “You looked so beautiful, so pure, and your eyes… haunted me in my sleep. Even though I didn’t know you, the image of you has stayed with me. I’d sometimes wonder how you were doing, who you were with… whether you were happy.”

  He exhaled slowly. “How I wish you’d stayed at the med bay until I returned… that I could get to see you again. But fate had other plans.”

  He leaned closer and whispered, “These past few days, I don’t know how many times I wanted to kiss you.”

  Her cheeks burned, her pulse quickening as his words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Breathlessly, she asked, “Are you going to kiss me now?”

  He blinked, surprised yet exhilarated by her response. “May I?”

  She batted her lashes rapidly, about to agree, but then she heard him ask, “Is this your first?”

  “Yes,” she sheepishly admitted.

  Then, she heard him say, “I won’t take that from you unless we’re official.”

  “What do you mean?” Sana’s brow furrowed. Is he only gonna kiss me after we get married? she wondered.

  Seven broke into a mesmerizing smile, shy but sincere. “Ms. Sana Shahi, would you be my girlfriend?”

  Realization dawned for the clueless girl. Phew! Our wires got crossed!

  She beamed. “You already know my answer.”

  Euphoria surged within him. “Sana, may I have the honor of your first kiss?”

  She answered him with an ever-subtle nod.

  Given the green light, Seven leaned in slowly, his hand cupping the side of her face, thumb ghosting the curve of her jaw. He felt the faint tension in her arm sling and instinctively adjusted his angle so she wouldn’t strain her shoulder. Even so, Sana tilted subtly toward him despite the restriction.

  Their lips met tentatively at first, tender and reverent. He lingered, savoring the warmth, the subtle tremor in her lips, then drew back just enough for her to catch her breath.

  Then, he pressed closer again, each move mindful of her injury. Her head tilted instinctively, the faint shift of her torso bringing them closer. Their breaths mingled; his chest warmed against hers, their heartbeats thudding beneath the fabric of scrubs and hospital gown.

  Then reality intruded.

  A soft, involuntary groan sounded from the far corner of the room. James lay slumped in the hospital bed, still heavily sedated, one hand resting over the blanket. He stirred slightly, mumbling incoherently, but didn’t wake.

  Seven froze mid-breath; Sana’s breath caught.

  “You think James heard us?” she whispered.

  Seven’s face flamed crimson. He pulled the drape just enough to take a peek. “Thank… thank goodness he’s out cold. That would’ve been… so embarrassing. Tsk.”

  He leaned in, pressing his lips delicately to her forehead, then teasingly to the tip of her nose, and finally lingering on her lips.

  “Time for bed. G’night, Princess,” he hummed.

  “G’night, Sweets,” Sana purred.