(+18) Valerian Cross 23      

Evelyn's breath came in quick, shallow gasps, her body alive with heat as Valerian held her pinned beneath his powerful frame. His ember eyes burned with something untamed, an edge of desire laced with anger. The way he looked at her, as if she were something he wanted to consume, sent a delicious shiver down her spine.

She grinned, tracing a single nail down the hard planes of his chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his breath. "What's the matter, Cross? Afraid you'll lose control?"

His jaw tightened. Without a word, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head with one hand, his strength making her pulse spike in excitement. His grip was firm but careful, a reminder of how easily he could dominate her if he wanted to.

"You always talk too much witch," he murmured, his voice deep and rough with hunger.