Because I need this.
I needhim.
And God help me, I don’t want him to stop.
Then, everything tilts.
Not just the room.Not just my breath.
Me.
He doesn’t rush us.
This kiss isn’t careful.
It’s deep.Steady.Certain.
A claiming of sorts.And it’severything.
It’s like it’s a truth that’s been waiting for me to stop fighting it.
And now, it’s a slow burn that I feel everywhere.
I pull him closer, pressing myself to him.
His hands slide deeper into my hair, his grip tightening, but not to hold me still—to bring me in.
My chest is too tight, too full, too much.
My knees feel unsteady, but his body is right there, solid, sure.
Everything around us fades.It’s just us and my head is swimming in it.
He kisses me like he’s learning me.
Like he wants to burn this moment into his memory.
Like he doesn’t want to forget.
And I don’t want to either.
Heat unfurls inside me, curling into something dangerous, something I can’t name.
I press closer.
And that’s all he needs.
He makes a low sound, a quiet rumble in his chest, vibrating against my lips.His fingers curl against my scalp, and a full-body shiver rolls through me.
My stomach flips, my pulse is a wreck, my entire world is shrinking down to this moment.
This kiss.
Him.
This is nothing like before.
Not a reckless decision.Not a reaction.Not a mistake.