TAKE OVER

Emerald's face burned even hotter. She knew they were careful, even their first time. But she'd never fully experienced that kind of unguarded closeness.

What would that feel like? Emerald wondered, as her mind began to drift.

Alaric wasn't done, though. Adding fuel to the fire, he murmured, "Let's try it once your period's over, hmm? You might like it even more."

Emerald bit her lip and muttered, "Stop talking, Teacher Corrigan."

Alaric paused, amused by her reply, then chuckled softly. Emerald was ridiculously cute.

She had a point, calling him "Teacher." When it came to intimacy, it felt like every move they made was a lesson in their deepening bond.

Alaric thought to himself, I'd rather be her emotional guide, peeling back the layers of her heart bit by bit until Emerald fully opened up to him.