Verity's pov

Caleb’s lips left mine slowly, like he was afraid I’d shatter if he moved too quickly. The sudden absence of warmth made me inhale sharply, my body trembling, but this time—thank the goddess—it wasn’t because I couldn’t breathe.

He brushed a strand of damp hair from my face, his fingers lingering just a moment too long. His voice was rough as he spoke. “Are you okay?”

I swallowed hard and nodded, though my legs still felt like water and my chest ached from the ...