---
This kiss lasted longer.
Sekhmet's hand remained around her waist, but he was far more aware of his strength now. He could feel exactly how tightly his fingers pressed against her through the fabric of her damaged clothes. Even though Elena possessed the body of a God and his strength was unlikely to seriously hurt her, he still forced himself to loosen his grip.
That small act told Elena something important.
He was still fighting for control.
The Blood God instinct had not completely swallowed the man she knew.
Elena slowly separated from him.
Sekhmet immediately tried to follow.
She placed a hand against his chest.
"Wait."
His entire body became tense.
The heat in his crimson eyes intensified, but he stopped.
That made Elena relax slightly.
"You can still listen to me."
Sekhmet took a heavy breath.
"Barely."
"Barely is enough."
His hand remained on her waist. He looked down at her fingers resting against his chest, then back into her eyes.
