Crossing the Line

The night air outside the palace had grown colder, but inside, the temperature between them was rising. Their bodies were too close, the tension thick enough to choke on. Every move they made seemed to bring them closer to the edge, and neither of them was willing to back down.

Xypheron's lips found hers again, and this time, there was no hesitation. No games. No control. Just raw, unfiltered desire. His hands roamed over her back, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together, the hard planes of his chest meeting the softness of hers. He could feel the heat radiating off her, the tension in her muscles, and it only pushed him further.

Vexaria didn't pull away this time. Instead, she responded in kind, her hands threading through his hair, tugging him closer as if she could erase the distance between them. Every kiss was deeper, more urgent, as if they were trying to savor the moment before it all came crashing down.

But just as quickly as it had started, Xypheron pulled away, his breath ragged. His eyes were dark, pupils blown wide with something dangerous, something fierce.

"You're making this difficult," he murmured, his voice rough with desire. "You don't know what you're doing to me."

Vexaria's heart pounded in her chest, but she wasn't about to let him off so easily. She met his gaze with equal intensity. "I think you're the one making this difficult, Xypheron."

He chuckled darkly, his hands still resting on her waist, his thumb gently brushing the curve of her hip. "Maybe, but I'm not the one pretending like I don't want this."

She stepped back slightly, just enough to look up at him, her breath still coming in shallow bursts. "What if I do want this? What if I'm