Chapter 84: **Bound by Passion**
"Lirian…"
The moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the room.
Lirian lay back on the bed, her breathing unsteady as Gabriel's hands rested on her waist, his golden eyes watched her with an intensity that made her pulse race.
"Are you sure, Lirian?" Gabriel's voice sounded like a low hush. "I don't want to hurt you."
She reached up, her fingers traced the sharp lines of his jaw, not leaving her eyes from him.
"I'm sure. But… be gentle, Gabriel. I trust you."
His breath hitched at her words, the trust settled in his chest like a warm ember.
Slowly, his hands moved to her shoulders, brushing the fabric of her dress down her arms.
The rest of the garment slipped away, pooling at her waist, leaving her upper body bare to his gaze.
Gabriel hesitated, his hands trembled slightly as if the moment was too fragile to touch.