Elena Returns Inside After Andrei Drives Away

The red taillights of Andrei’s car disappeared down the quiet street until only darkness filled the stretch of road before the house. Elena stayed there for a few lingering seconds, her fingers still tingling from where they had touched his neck, her lips warm from his kiss. She inhaled deeply, a soft smile curving her mouth—one of those smiles she couldn’t hide even if she tried.

The night air felt cooler now, brushing against the flushed ...