~Becklan's POV~
He tightened his hold just a little. "I want you to be happy, babe. I don't want your mother to be the reason your heart feels heavy. Don't let her take the joy you fought so hard to earn, okay?"
I nodded slowly, letting the sense in his words sink in. I held him closer, wrapping my arms around him as the last traces of resentment began to loosen their grip. I realized he was right, I was happy now, and no one could take that away.
I lifted my head from his chest. "Baby," I whispered, my voice dropping to a soft command. "Kiss me."
Leon's smile widened. He closed the distance, his breath warm against my lips as he murmured, "The kiss is free. What comes after… that's what I really want."
I smiled back, pretending to be innocent as I trailed my fingers down his neck. "Oh? And what else could you possibly want?"
