I had kissed Mehul before.
But not like this.
Not with him on my lap.
Not with his fingers gripping my shoulders like I was the only thing keeping him steady.
Not with the weight of everything between us pressing down, making it impossible to stop.
Because this?
This was real.
And I wasn't just taking control.
I was showing him exactly how much he meant to me.
His body was warm against mine.
Soft in some places, tense in others.
I ran my hands down his back, pulling him closer, letting him feel just how much I wanted this.
His breath stuttered.
But he didn't pull away.
Didn't hesitate.
If anything—he leaned into it.
Like he had been waiting for this.
Like he had been waiting for me.
I exhaled, pressing my forehead to his.
Mehul's lashes fluttered, breath uneven.
I tilted his chin up, forcing him to look at me.
And then, softly—I asked.
"You okay?"
Because I needed him to know—
This wasn't just about desire.
This was about him.
His wants. His comfort. His everything.
Mehul blinked up at me, eyes darker than I'd ever seen.
And then—he nodded.
"Yeah."
His voice was soft. Barely there.
But it held so much trust.
And that?
That was what broke me.
Because Mehul wasn't just letting me take control.
He was giving himself to me.
Completely.
And I wasn't about to waste that.
I kissed him again.
Slow. Deep.
Not just passion—emotion.
Because he had to know.
Know that this wasn't just physical.
That he mattered.
That he was mine.
My hands slid to his waist, gripping him firmly.
Mehul shivered under my touch.
His fingers curled into my shirt, pulling me closer.
Like he couldn't get enough.
Like he wanted to drown in this.
And I?
I wanted to give him everything.
It was late.
Too late.
But neither of us wanted to move.
Mehul's head rested against my chest.
His breathing was soft, steady.
My fingers traced slow circles against his back, grounding both of us.
I pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
Mehul sighed, shifting slightly.
"You're staying," he murmured.
Not a question.
A statement.
I smiled.
"Yeah," I whispered.
And just like that—
I held him closer.
Because this?
This was home.
And I wasn't going anywhere.