Laylah

“The round passes by us without incident, and although there’s no reason for Russ to hide himself behind me anymore, he doesn’t move. I lean back, head resting against his chest, and when his posture stiffens, I immediately start to move away from him. But his hands find my hips again and he pulls me back gently, his body more relaxed this time.”
― Hannah Grace, Wildfire

“I want everything about you, Aurora. I want your smiles. Your laughs. I want the way you ramble when you’re nervous. I want your big reactions and your little ones. I want to watch you get frustrated at origami but carry on anyway because it makes you so happy. I want to protect you possums and sharks and, sometimes, when you need it, yourself. And I want to want you because you’re worth it, sweetheart. And you make me feel good, too.”
― Hannah Grace, Wildfire

“You’re an angel,” he sighs. “Sort of. That wasn’t very angelic, but you know what I mean. Thanks.”
― Hannah Grace, Wildfire

“I just want to be wanted.”
“You are. Let’s both stay. Let me show you how wanted you are.”
“I like who I am when I’m with you, but what if you leave, too? Who am I going to be then?”
“Do you trust me? I’m not going anywhere, but you don’t need me, Aurora. You’re strong and sweet and funny. You’re smart and affectionate and you’re all those things without me. You don’t need anyone but yourself, but you can have me anyway. I worry I’m going to fuck this up, too, but we have to trust ourselves as much as we trust each other.”
― Hannah Grace, Wildfire