Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 253

Randal rested his hand on her stomach, his thumb unconsciously drawing slow circles.

It took a long time before he finally spoke. "Why ask about that all of a sudden?"

"Just wondering. Are things going smoothly with your move into Vanguard Properties?"

He pulled her a little tighter against him. "It's fine."

Randal was doing that little physical tell he always did when he lied.

Willa understood instantly. Since he wasn't willing to tell the truth, pushing the subject wouldn't get her any real answers.

She simply closed her mouth and leaned quietly against his chest. His unique scent filled her senses, and her tense nerves strangely began to unwind. Unconsciously, she pressed herself even closer into his embrace.

His lips suddenly brushed against hers, lingering at the corner of her mouth, seemingly asking for permission with agonizing caution.

She moved her hand from the back of his hand, slowly trailing it up his shoulder until her fingers gripped his collar.

The moment he felt her response, his kiss deepened, loaded with a suppressed, desperate yearning.

Willa gradually lost her breath under his touch and instinctively gave his chest a gentle push.

Randal immediately released her, pulling back just slightly. He rested his forehead against hers, their heavy breaths tangling together. His eyes were red-rimmed, swimming with that familiar, obsessive devotion she knew so well.

"Willa, I missed you."

Willa felt a sharp pang in her chest.

He was right here in front of her, yet a bizarre illusion washed over her that she would never see him again.

She reached up and gently stroked Randal's face.

He looked utterly exhausted, like he hadn't had a decent night's sleep in ages.

"Randal, you have to make sure you keep seeing Dr. Wallace on time."

He immediately caught her hand and brought it to his lips for a soft kiss. "I know."

The two of them stayed like that, foreheads resting together, breathing the same air.

Randal's palm paused for a fraction of a second before he began to rub her belly with agonizing tenderness.

Then, he pulled her even tighter into his chest and pressed his burning lips against the bare skin at the nape of her neck.

It was a kiss completely devoid of lust.

"Go to sleep, Willa."

Willa closed her eyes, and tears slipped silently down her cheeks.

They held each other tightly through the night, like two freezing vines clinging to one another against the bitter wind.

Their body heat merged, their heartbeats gradually aligned, but their souls felt millions of miles apart, both drowning in their own endless darkness, desperately praying to hold on to this final sliver of light.

Randal barely slept a wink.

He listened to the steady breathing of the woman in his arms, too afraid to move in case he woke her.

He vaguely remembered how, five years ago, she used to sleep in his arms exactly like this—her features relaxed, a soft smile playing on her lips.