Vulnerability

She was the first to speak. "I am sure you... you must be angry with me."

A long silence passed. Assuming that they were going to have a civilized discussion, Ave was startled when he sprang at her in two swift strides and seized her in a rough grip.

His hand tangled in her hair, and he tugged her head back, crushing his mouth over hers. The bruising kiss was not meant to give pleasure but to punish. Gasping, Ave yielded completely, opening her mouth to the aggressive thrust of his tongue, answering his angry passion with her utter surrender.

She told him with her lips and body that whatever he wanted of her, she would give without reserve, for as long as he would not say the words she dreaded to hear from him. She pleaded with him silently as she allowed him to punish her with his kiss.

Eventually, her lack of resistance seemed to soothe him, and he softened the kiss, still probing deeply, both of his hands cupping around her skull.