CHAPTER TWO
After what I believe to be about thirty seconds of silence, I finally gain my composure.
"I know that it's a lot to take in. And... I don't know, I haven't... I haven't thought anything through, yet, I just needed to tell you because... Well, you needed to know. And I know you're probably really mad, right now, but Ezra, if you could just-"
"Aria." He cuts me off, and takes my hands in his, looking straight into my eyes. "I love you. And I know that it's wrong. I know it's crazy. But I do. And I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here, right by your side, no matter what you choose to do. We've been through so much, together. And I know that it's going to be hard. But I honestly believe that there is nothing in this world we can't handle. Okay?"
It's times like these that I realize why I'm risking everything to be with Ezra.
"I love you," I say. Those were the only words I could manage to get out, but they were the only words that needed to be said. He leans down, and kisses me, and I return the gesture. Then he just looks at me for a minute. His lips curve into that half smile that I've seen a million times, but that still makes my heart flutter every time. I brush a dark brown curl away from his eyes, and then lean my head on his shoulder. He kisses my head, and I let my eyes close. And, for a moment, we're just there. Just, us. Without any complications, without secrets, without lies... Just two people who, without a doubt, would do anything for each other. And, as always, it feels... Right.