Page 195 of The Bittersweet Bond

She didn’t resist. She moved over the center console until she found herself in his lap, her head resting against his chest. She curled into the soft fabric of his hoodie, letting the tears fall freely.

He just held her.

His arms wrapped around her—not restraining, just grounding her. His hand moved in slow, steady circles across her back, his grip gentle but unwavering.

After a while, he finally spoke, his voice deep and quiet. "You know," he murmured, "I’m so glad I’m here with you."

She didn’t say anything, but she felt his steady breath against her hair, a silent reassurance that she wasn’t alone.

"I got you, Evin," he whispered. And she knew he meant it.

The music filled the silence—not as a barrier, but as a shared breath between them.

When Bas finally turned off the engine, Evin realized something.

She didn’t have to carry this weight alone anymore.

Not with him by her side.

Chapter 51

My Only

Bas

Birdie?

Evin

Hey?

Quick question: Why birdie?

Bas

Finally asking…

Evin

I've always wondered. Just never asked.

Bas

Since our fight, after your trip to Mission Esperanza

You were so stubborn. Fierce.

Evin

Seriously?

Bas

Yeah… It stuck.

Fits you better than your name sometimes.

Evin

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