?Chapter 1652:


    “Please, gentler,” she breathed, her voice trembling. “You’re being too intense.”


    His eyes softened as he gazed at her. “I missed you desperately, sweetie. The thought of losing you…” His voice cracked with raw emotion. “Do you know what that did to me?”


    The vulnerability in his words struck Elyse speechless.


    She realized she’d never asked about his feelings during that harrowing moment when the fighter jet hung above them like death’s shadow, ready to strike at any instant.


    Since her recovery, he had maintained such a steady, unshakeable presence that she’d forgotten he too could be haunted by the fear of losing her.


    A bittersweet ache filled her heart as she reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I missed you too,” she smiled, her eyes glistening. “That day on stage, all I wanted was to find you, to feel safe in your embrace. That’s when I truly understood—you’re my anchor in this world.”


    Jayden’s expression melted into pure adoration. “And you’re mine,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.


    Heat crept up her neck as she murmured, “Tonight’s yours then, just… don’t be too rough.”


    His touch turned feather-light as he promised, “I’ll make this night unforgettable for you, my love.”


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    Elyse woke to find Jayden’s head heavy on her chest. She sucked in a breath and tried to shift him.


    The movement only made him stir. Instead of loosening his grip, his arms tightened around her.


    The pressure was suffocating, like a python tightening its hold. Grabbing a handful of his hair, she huffed, “No wonder you have nightmares—you were suffocating me all night.”


    Jayden snuggled in deeper, a contented sigh escaping him. “Mmm, you’re way better than any pillow.”


    “You’refy,” she grumbled, her voice muffled against him. “But I’m two seconds away from losing consciousness.”


    Jayden lifted his head, grinningzily as their eyes met. “Didn’t I make you happyst night, though? You kept saying no, but every time I tried to pull away, you clung to me like I was your favorite nket.”


    Elyse’s face turned crimson as she covered her hand over his mouth. “I did not! Don’t be ridiculous!”


    Jayden’s response was muffled under her palm as he mumbled something incoherent. Finally, he pulled back, sitting up with a wry smile. Her shyness never ceased to surprise him. They’d spent countless nights together, but she still blushed like a teenager caught in a high school crush.


    A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. Her bashfulness was undeniably charming, and teasing her had be one of his favorite pastimes.


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Elyse grabbed her clothes and made a beeline for the bathroom, her steps brisk with embarrassment. Jayden trailed behind, grinning like a cat with a secret.


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