Jace called her that evening, his voice soft with care, asking if she needed anything.
She smiled at the thought, then replied gently, "A pair of slippers, maybe."
Without hesitation, he offered, "Come shopping with me."
She agreed.
The city lights shimmered around them as they walked into the store. Anna browsed quietly, eyes scanning the shelves until they settled on a pair of soft slippers—simple, delicate, hers.
While she made her choice, Jace wandered.
He returned not just with her shoes, but with something else—two matching mugs, a quiet symbol of something unspoken.
She hadn't noticed, but he had been watching.
Later, her gaze lingered on the snacks, lingering with childlike wonder.
Jace said nothing. Instead, he slipped away, returning with the treats she'd silently admired—bought not for necessity, but for the joy he saw flicker across her face.
He didn't need thanks.
The way she smiled when she noticed them in the bag—that was enough.
After returning home, she drifted into the quiet rhythm of the kitchen, deciding to make supper.
The soft hum of the stove filled the space, grounding her in the moment.
And then—warmth.
He came from behind, his presence wrapping around her like dusk falling over the sky.
His arms encircled her waist in a tight embrace, steady and sure.
She felt the brush of his nose nuzzling the curve of her neck, playful and unguarded.
"It's tickling, Jacy," she murmured, laughter dancing on her breath.
He laughed softly, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine as he continued his playful assault on her neck. "I can't help it," he murmured, his voice low and warm. "You smell so good, Anna."
She felt his arms tighten around her, pulling her closer. It was like the world outside of them didn't exist—just him, his touch, and his warmth. She tried to focus on the meal in front of her, but it was hard to concentrate when Jace was so close, making her feel like she was melting in his arms.
"Jace," Anna said softly, turning her head slightly to look at him. "I'm trying to cook here, you know."
His smile was evident in his voice. "I know, baby. But how can I resist when you're so irresistible?"
She couldn't help but chuckle, the tension in her body easing a bit as she felt his hands gently stroke her arms. It felt natural, like this was where she was meant to be, and everything else faded into the background.
"You're not making it easy, Jace," she said, turning back to stir the pot, though she couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips.
He kissed the top of her head, his touch tender and affectionate. "Good. I like making things difficult," he teased, his voice rich with affection. "But only for you."
Her heart fluttered at his words, and for the first time in a while, she felt truly at peace. She wasn't thinking about the past or the dreams that haunted her anymore. In this moment, it was just him and Anna, and that was all she needed
They finished their supper, the quiet clinking of dishes giving way to the hush of night.
Later, in the soft glow of their room, they lay side by side.
As they lay in bed, the night was still, save for the soft sound of their breathing. Jace's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat matching her own.
He kissed her softly on the lips, his touch tender yet full of a quiet intensity. As he pulled back slightly, she couldn't help but smile up at him.
"I want my heart to beat for you," Anna whispered, her voice barely a breath against the cool night air.
Jace looked at her, his eyes full of that familiar tenderness she had come to rely on. His gaze softened, and he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "You already do, Anna. You have from the moment we met," he said, his voice low and reassuring.
She leaned down and kissed his forehead, tracing her fingers along his jawline. "But I want it to be only for you. No more dreams, just you and me."
Jace smiled, his lips curling into that gentle, knowing smile. "I'm yours, Anna. Every part of me is yours. I promise, you don't have to chase after shadows anymore. I'm right here."
She sighed, her heart fluttering with the sweetness of his words. "I think I found my home, Jace," Anna murmured, pulling him closer, her hands tangled in his hair, "It's right here in my arms."
He kissed her again, this time deeper, slower, as if to remind her that he was real, and she was no longer alone. As they lay there, she felt his heart beating in sync with hers, and for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.
"I'll never leave you, Anna. You've got me now," he whispered against her lips.
And Anna knew, in that moment, she had finally found the one who would stay. Forever.
(To be continued...)