A Line Crossed

Seraphine had played this game with Kaelith before. The battle for control, the push and pull of dominance.

But this time… something was different.

She felt it in the way he held her—not just as a conqueror, but as something more.

Kaelith's lips slowed against hers, the urgency giving way to something deeper. He wasn't just claiming her—he was searching for something.

Seraphine's breath caught as his hands moved from the cold, unyielding wall to her waist, his grip steady but no longer demanding. His fingers traced the curve of her back, lingering as if memorizing her, learning her in a way that had nothing to do with victory.

This wasn't just about winning anymore.

Her pulse pounded, not from the heat of the shower or the weight of his body against hers, but from something she couldn't name.

She had expected him to take, to press her into submission like before.

Instead, he kissed her softly.

That was what undid her.

Seraphine tensed, her hands moving to push him away—but the moment she touched his bare chest, she froze. His heart was racing just as fast as hers.

Kaelith pulled back just enough to look at her, his dark eyes searching hers. "Why do you keep running?" His voice was quiet now, the challenge gone.

Seraphine parted her lips to respond, but no words came.

She didn't know the answer.

Because she was running.

From him. From herself. From the way his touch made her feel too much.

Kaelith exhaled, his forehead resting lightly against hers. "I don't want to fight you, Seraphine." His thumb brushed over her cheek, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver through her. "Not like this."

Seraphine swallowed hard, her fingers curling slightly against his skin. She could push him away now. She should.

But she didn't.

Because, for the first time, this wasn't about power.

It was about something far more dangerous.

Something real.

To be continued…

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