Rue’s POV

We stood near the shoreline now, the surface of the lake reflecting fragments of the evening light.

His hands remained at my waist. Mine rested against his chest.

In my past, closeness had always carried expectation and obligation. I had once believed that intimacy was something to be endured, like walking across thin ice.

This was different.

When Percy kissed me again, it wasn’t with hesitation, it was reassuring.

His mouth moved against mine slowly, as if exploring a language we ...