He made an effort to keep his composure, but when her voice reached his ears, his expression shifted. His gaze, once steady, grew darker with every passing second. His grip on her chin tightened, drawing her closer. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as their eyes locked, the air thick with tension. Then, without warning, he kissed her—fierce and hungry, as though he couldn't wait any longer. The kiss was urgent, his emotions finally breaking free, pouring into the contact between ...