An Unexpected Interruption, A Complicated Past

I pulled back from Orion's embrace, my heart still racing from my confession. His eyes held mine, intense and searching.

"Florence," he whispered, one hand coming up to cup my cheek. The warmth of his palm against my skin sent shivers down my spine.

Slowly, he leaned forward, his intention clear. My eyes fluttered shut as his lips ghosted over mine, barely touching at first—a question, asking permission.

I answered by pressing forward, eliminating the space between us. His lips were warm and firm against mine, moving with a gentleness that surprised me. For a man known for his power and dominance, Orion kissed with exquisite care, as if I were something precious.

My hands found their way to his shoulders, then slid up to the nape of his neck. The console between us dug uncomfortably into my ribs, but I didn't care. Nothing mattered except the feel of him, the scent of him surrounding me, the gentle stroke of his thumb against my cheek.