When did it start?

She felt it in the way he held her, in the way he touched her like she was something precious, something he had longed for but never dared to claim.

The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling, bodies molding into each other as the world outside faded away.

But just as the last shred of restraint was about to slip, Wu Yuxuan suddenly pulled back, his breath heavy, his forehead resting against hers.

Chen Lin blinked at him, dazed. "What's wrong?"

He exhaled, his grip on her tightening for a moment before loosening. "I don't want to rush you," he murmured. "Not when this means everything to me."

Her chest tightened at his words. He was holding back for her.

Even now, even with all the desire burning between them, he was still thinking about her.

A warmth spread through her, deeper than the heat of his touch.

She took a slow breath, then reached for his wrist again, the same way she had earlier.