The Trap In The Dark

Ronan Hale:

I still felt the ghost of his lips on mine.

The warmth, the pressure, the way he tasted—like something dangerous and forbidden, but somehow right.

I didn't regret it.

I wanted more.

That was the worst part. The part that made my chest feel tight, made my fingers twitch at my sides. Because I should have hated that it happened. Should have shoved him away the second it started.

But instead, I let it happen.

I kissed him back.

And now, as I walked with my head low, still trying to piece together what that meant, I felt a soft hand slip into mine.

Elara.

She squeezed my fingers, then leaned in, pressing a warm kiss to my cheek. Her breath was a whisper against my skin.

"I'm proud of you."

Something in my chest cracked open at those words.

I bit back a grin, but I knew she saw it. She always saw through me.

And then, out of instinct, my gaze flickered toward him.