Iyana's soft, lilting laughter echoed from behind the staircase, like a melody woven with joy. "Come on, let me go. I really need to get back out there," she teased, her voice warm and playful.
But Vyan only tightened his embrace, his arms wrapping around her with tender possessiveness as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. "This is entirely your fault. You weren't paying attention to me."
She giggled, her breath catching at his touch. "Vyan, there are so many guests waiting. It's a party in my honor, after all."
He smiled against her skin, his lips brushing lightly in a way that sent shivers down her spine. "I know," he whispered, his voice low, "but let's just say I had this in my bucket list."
She smirked, her heart fluttering at his words. "What, kidnapping the guest of honor?"
"Exactly," he murmured, pressing a kiss just behind her ear.