The moment his lips touched mine, everything else faded.
The city lights, the quiet hum of the restaurant, the world outside—none of it mattered.
It was just him. Just us.
The kiss wasn't rushed. It wasn't soft, either. It was slow and deliberate, like he was claiming me, branding me with the way his lips moved against mine.
His hand slid to the curve of my waist, fingers pressing just enough to make me aware of every point of contact between us.
I should have pulled away. I should have.
But my body betrayed me.
Instead of resisting, I leaned in, my fingers grasping the lapels of his suit, pulling him closer.
A deep sound rumbled in his chest—approval, satisfaction. Like he had expected me to fight, to push him away, and instead, I had melted into him.
Damn him.
Heat curled through my spine, tightening my stomach. He kissed like a man who knew exactly what he was doing. Like a man who didn't take, but rather, taught you how to give.
I let out a small gasp as he tilted my head, deepening the kiss. The taste of whiskey lingered on his lips, mixing with something richer, something uniquely him.
He pulled back just slightly, his breath warm against my lips. "You should be careful with me, Ivanna."
My eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. Dark. Intense. Wanting.
I swallowed, trying to steady my breathing. "You should be careful with me too."
A slow, wicked smile curved his lips. "Then we're in trouble."
I bit my lip, suppressing the shiver that ran down my spine.
Maybe we were.
Because the way he looked at me now…
This wasn't just a game anymore.