Harden’s POV
She kissed me.
No warning. No hesitation.
Not soft. Not careful. Needy—like every nerve in my body had been standing on edge, waiting for this exact second without my permission. The room vanished. The hospital walls? Gone. The pain? Forgotten. Reality? Politely dismissed.
I grabbed her face on instinct, like if I didn’t anchor her there she’d evaporate. Her skin was warm under my hands, her breath tangled with mine, and even with my busted leg, I felt her press closer like she wanted more. Like she needed more.
The kiss broke for half a heartbeat—just enough air to exist—
—and I went right back in.
“Are you hurt?” she whispered, lips brushing mine, voice soft but worried.
“I’ll live,” I said, rough and honest. “But you?” I added, smiling against her mouth. “You’re dan
