I paused at the bottom of the stairs, caught Liam's hand where he stood, face a mask of emptiness, though I could feel his misery. He bent over me as I slid my hands into his hair, kissed him with all the passion I could muster. Felt the heat inside me, deep and thrumming, wake in answer to spread from my belly down my legs, anchoring me to the earth.

To him.

When I finally let him go, Liam pressed his lips to my forehead.

I love you so much, he sent. And I'll be ...