Arthur was genuinely convinced his heart was about to explode out of his chest.
Natalia held him tightly against her, her face buried in his chest while her hands rested behind his back. Her fingers were spread carefully over his waist, as though she had absolutely no intention of letting him go anytime soon.
And honestly? Arthur didn't want her to. Not even a little.
What did she mean by that…?
Arthur looked down at her slowly, his chin brushing the top of her head. Suddenly, the instinct to lean down and kiss her hair became overwhelming. To breathe her in.
That thought alone made his ears burn. That's kind of a perverted thought, he scolded himself, sighing internally before hesitantly placing his hands on her shoulders.
The movement was awkward, careful, and entirely nervous. But inside? Inside, he felt absurdly excited over something so small. Arthur never took the initiative. Never. So even this tiny act, touching her of his own accord, felt strangely rewarding.
