Chapter Twenty One

With a fiery longing burning in her throat, Emma squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment, as she gently touched him, battling the primal urge to lean in and kiss him.

"It's too soon, I can't," she stumbled over her words, each refusal weighing heavily on her chest, engulfing the room in silence as she turned away from him.

Lucas's voice, gentle and understanding, penetrated the stillness, knowing her caution stemmed from the fear of appearing desperate and vulnerable. "I understand. I'll patiently wait for as long as it takes. Just give me a chance, will you, Emma?"

Emma hesitated, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty. "I cannot make any promises. It may take me some time to love again," she confessed, her words swallowed by the darkness.

"I'll wait," Lucas promised, turning towards her, he gently pulled her over to face him, his long fingers interlacing with hers in the dim light. Tenderly, he pulled her into his arms, softly caressing her hair, lulling her into slumber.

The touch