Page 68 of Summertime Hexy
These are quiet.
Shaking.
Real.
She lifts a hand to wipe them away fast—like she’s embarrassed.
“Don’t,” I say, catching her wrist gently.
Her lip trembles.
“I’m sorry,” she murmurs. “I—I held it together all night, and now it’s over and you’re okay and I just—I can’t stop.”
“Then don’t.”
She blinks.
I lean in closer, my voice low. “You don’t have to hold it together right now. Not for me.”
Her shoulders shake once, and then she justlets go.
Sobs rip from her chest—raw and startled, like they caught her off guard.
And I just hold her.
Tight.
Like if I let go, the whole world might cave in.
She clutches at my shirt, her tears soaking through the fabric, her magic sparking faintly with every breath. Her knees come up, her whole body curling into mine like she’s trying to disappear.
And gods, she’sso alive.
So messy and magical and maddening.
And it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Not because she’s crying.
But because she’sletting me see hercry.
No walls. No jokes. No glitter to hide behind.
Justher.
Real. Wrecked. Brave as hell.
I bury my hand in her hair and kiss the top of her head, gentle.
“You’re safe,” I whisper. “You did it. You saved us.”
“I thought I lost you,” she hiccups.
“You didn’t.”
She presses closer.
“I would’ve burned the veil down if I had to,” she says.
