[Location: Morningstar Manor, New York]
At first, the kiss was soft, probing, even gentle by Zera's standard, almost shy in its intensity. Her lips pressed tentatively against mine, seeking reassurance, confirmation, as if she were afraid that any sudden movement might shatter this fragile connection.
I let her take the lead, letting my hand drift to cradle the back of her head, fingers tangling in her crimson hair. Her body trembled, subtle at first, then more insistently, pressing against me as if she could fuse our forms into one.
Her hands fisted at the front of my coat, fingers grazing my chest through the fabric. I didn't flinch; I allowed the sensation to register, feeling the mix of dominance, possessiveness, and vulnerability coursing through her. Zera's breath came faster now, shallow gasps breaking between soft murmurs I couldn't make out.
