The room was still, Nerine's chest rose and fell in uneven breaths as Kael's hand lingered over hers, his thumb tracing a circle so faint she wondered if she imagined it.
The silence between them was heavy, unbearable. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came. Then Kael shifted closer, his gaze lowering to her face—her lips, her trembling lashes, the defiance still burning in her eyes even as they watered.
Her heart pounded so hard she swore he could hear it.
"Kael…" she whispered, not knowing if it was plea or warning.
But he silenced her with the faintest brush of his lips against hers.
It was not rushed. Not harsh. His kiss was slow...agonizingly slow....as though he meant to drink her hesitation and turn it into fire. Nerine froze at first, her mind warring with every reason she should push him away. But the warmth of his lips, the softness of his breath, the firm but careful way his hand cupped the back of her neck,everything pulled her under.
