The kiss didn't stay testing for long.
Charles' mouth claimed mine with deliberate force, firm and unyielding. His hand stayed anchored at my jaw while the other slid down to grip my waist, pulling me flush against him until no space remained.
Heat exploded through my chest and pooled lower, thick and insistent. My fingers twisted tighter into his shirt, anchoring myself as my knees threatened to buckle.
His scent crashed over me—dark spice, warm cedar, and something sharper that made my head spin. It sank into my lungs with every ragged breath, triggering a fresh wave of slick between my thighs.
My body responded instantly, opening, aching, betraying every careful layer of control I had built.
I didn't pull away.
