Beyond the Skin

When the kiss ends, our foreheads remain pressed together for long seconds as we both try to catch our breath. My eyes remain closed, but his arms are still wrapped around me, and I can feel the smile curving his lips as they barely brush against mine. The sensation is so soft and warm that it makes me smile as well.

"I love you too, Lyra Mercer." He answers the question I never managed to ask, bu