As Lana whispered her agreement to wait, Roland's heart stirred. Moved by her words and the vulnerability she showed, he reached forward and gently cupped her cheek.
Their eyes met hers wide and uncertain, his intense yet warm.
Then, slowly, he leaned in.
Lana's breath caught as Roland wrapped her arms to give a hug.
Lana felt her heart thump wildly, her fingers clenching his tunic as his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
His tongue grazed her lips, seeking entrance, and as she parted them instinctively, he deepened the kiss. A warm shiver ran down her spine. She had never experienced something so intense, so enveloping. Her legs trembled, and her breath came in short, quiet gasps as his hands steadied her.
Roland pulled back slightly, just enough to see her flushed face and glazed eyes.
He smiled, his voice low and teasing. "You should stay."
