As their eyes met, Kylie felt her breath catch. "Please," she whispered, her voice laced with a mix of apprehension and need.

Lysander traced a finger down her bare skin, moving unhurriedly, savoring each soft gasp she made. "You really want this, Kylie?" His voice held a rough, unyielding edge, yet beneath it, something gentle shimmered.

"Yes," she managed, her voice barely more than a murmur.

He didn’t give in immediately. Instead, he leaned in, his warm breath tickling ...