Chapter 70

Lyra pulled back and touched his face gently, brushing her fingers over his brows and temple and jaws. Julian reached up and took her hands in his. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked. She looked into his eyes. “Like what?” His throat moved as he swallowed. A slight furrow appeared between his brows. “This is not your plot to run away, is it?” “Do you really think that?” Lyra asked, smiling. She gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Of course it's not. I'll miss you.” “Then you should come back to me quickly,” he told her. “I will,” she promised. He held her hands to his chest as he swooped in and kissed her. He kissed her hard but slowly, savouring every stroke of their lips against each other. When they pulled back for air, Lyra placed a hand on his chest and pushed him towards the bed. Following her lead, he fell back into the bed, sitting up against the headboard. Lyra followed, getting on the bed on her knees but keeping some distance between them. Slowly, she began unbu