_Leah's POV_

After training, Tariq suggested that we go for a walk before heading back home. I was still flushed from the physical activity. My mind was swirling with the memory of our kiss. Part of me wanted to pull away and retreat to the safety of my thoughts, but another part, the bolder and more daring part, wanted to stay close to him.

As we walked through the forest, the quiet rustle of leaves underfoot and the distant chirping of birds filled the space between us. Tariq glanced over ...