The kiss burned through me like wildfire, consuming all rational thought. Even as Kaelen pulled back, his eyes darkened with satisfaction, I could feel the imprint of his lips against mine, the lingering taste of him on my tongue. My heart hammered so loudly I was certain everyone at the bonfire could hear it.
What had I done?
I'd lost control. Completely lost myself in a moment that was supposed to be calculated, a strategic display for our audience. Instead, I'd kissed him with every ounce of the desire I'd been trying desperately to suppress.
"Come," Kaelen said, his voice a low rumble as he guided me away from the main festivities, his hand possessive at the small of my back.
We walked in silence, the sounds of celebration fading behind us as Kaelen led me toward a quieter area where several stone benches circled a smaller fire. The privacy was a relief, but it also left nowhere to hide from what had just happened between us.
