George chuckled softly, his eyes warming as he leaned in to press a slow kiss to Thalia’s lips gently, like he wanted to leave a piece of himself lingering on her mouth. Before she could respond, he slid one arm beneath her knees and another beneath her back, lifting her effortlessly. The way he carried her, close to his chest, with a protective firmness made her cling to him, her fingers hooking around the back of his neck.

He held her like she was fragile and powerful all at once.

The ...