Page 70 of Autumn L.A.W

“I meant it professionally,” she added. “At the time.”

Ezra shifted so she could see his face better. “I know.”

He paused, thoughtful, then continued. “I work alone. That’s been my default for a long time.”

She waited.

“But tonight,” he said, “wasn’t about backup or strategy. It was about trust.” His thumb brushed the back of her hand, slow and deliberate. “And I don’t want to walk away from that.”

Her breath caught. “Ezra…”

“But there’s something you should know first…”

“What’s that?”

“I have hemophilia.”

Sahara’s jaw dropped.

“I know. I apologize for the bombshell. That’s why I fall back when others surge ahead. One wrong move and I could bleed to death internally. I don’t want to be a teammate,” he said simply. “I’ll be honest, I was reluctant to get involved with the L.A.W. Your organization has a reputation.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard you were a bunch of butt-kicking maneaters.”

She burst out laughing. “You’re not wrong. At least about some of us. I’m probably the most sedate of the bunch.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t call you sedate.”

“Then what would you call me?”

“Intelligent, thoughtful, measured, mature, and beautiful.”

The words settled between them, warm and solid.

The truck swayed, and Sahara shifted, turning so she faced him, knees brushing his thighs as he steadied them both.

“I want a partnership,” he said.

“A romantic partnership?” she clarified, arching a brow.

His smile was small but certain. “Very much so.”

She studied him for a long moment, then nodded once. “Good.”

That was all the answer he needed.

She leaned in and kissed him, slow and grounding. His arms tightened around her, anchoring her there, and the kiss deepened just enough to say this was chosen.

When they parted, she rested her head against his shoulder, breathing him in.

“Is that why you became a mage? To protect yourself? Hemophilia is no joke. Even if you sustained a small injury, you could bleed out.”

“Yes. My mother was worried that when I grew up and she couldn’t bubble-wrap me, I’d be even more vulnerable.”

“Tell me she didn’t actually…”

He laughed. “No. No actual bubble wrap was involved. Just a lot of oversight and preventative measures.”