Ashley's heart swelled with the whirlwind of emotions stirred by the man in front of her. Just days ago, she hadn't wanted anything to do with him. And now—she was shamelessly in love, unbothered by how fast it all felt. Lorenzo's gaze held hers as they lay facing each other. The earlier intensity was gone. Now his eyes were soft and warm, and it made her giddy.
His confession had snapped something inside her—a deep well of warmth.
Lorenzo reached out, gently brushing hair from her face.
"I should've found you earlier," he said quietly. "The moment I got out of those walls, I should've turned the earth upside down looking for you."
He brought her hand to his lips, planting trembling kisses on her palm. Ashley's heart pounded.
"Why did you not?" she asked softly. She wasn't angry anymore—being with him now was more than enough—but she still wondered.
Lorenzo paused, searching for the right words, his eyes distant.
