Adeline's POV

The words hung between us. Permission and surrender wrapped together. Kayden's eyes darkened.

"Thank fuck."

Then his mouth was on mine.

Not gentle. Not tentative. Raw and desperate and all-consuming. Like he'd been holding back for weeks and finally snapped.

I kissed him back just as hard. Hands fisting in his shirt. Pulling him closer. Needing him closer still.

His hands were everywhere. In my hair. On my waist. Sliding down to grip my thigh and hitch my leg around his ...