---
His mouth covered hers, and he kissed her gently at first. Her heart fluttered with the way he held her, as though she were something delicate—precious, even. Each touch was deliberate, filled with intent, yet there was a tenderness in the way his fingers traced her skin. It made her feel seen, cherished, as if she were the only person in the world at that moment.
The tension in the room grew thicker, the heat between them intensifying. She felt it in the way he tightened his grip around her waist, his hold becoming more possessive, as though afraid she might slip away. A slight pinch to her waist startled her, drawing a soft gasp from her lips. He seized the opportunity with a swift motion, diving in as though he were starving, as if this kiss was his last chance to taste something he'd craved for far too long.
