Under the dim, amber light, Liam's deep eyes shimmered faintly. He slowly pushed himself up from Ava.
His lips were tightly pressed together as he silently looked at her for a long while.
Then he lowered his head and gently kissed the tip of her nose, his voice low and hoarse. "You better keep your word."
Ava nodded, "Mm."
Liam narrowed his eyes. "Too perfunctory. Say it again."
Ava almost laughed. He was clearly the one in control, yet acted like she was the one reluctant.
After a brief pause, she raised her arms to wrap around his neck, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "Some people like you because you're handsome, rich, powerful, and charming. But others like you because they've seen you at your lowest and still chose to stay, to sit beside you, wanting to offer you their shoulder and their candy."
Liam's eyes darkened. He raised his hand to gently cradle the back of her head, resting his forehead against hers.
He didn't speak for a long time.
