**Elena’s POV **
He didn't move. He hovered over me, his lips grazing mine, but he refused to go further. His hands shook a little on my waist; it felt like he was holding back.
He was scared. The man who made the whole city tremble was afraid of hurting me.
The thought made my heart hammer against my ribs. I didn't want him to be careful. I needed him badly. My body was on fire. My panties were soaked, the fabric clinging to my skin, and an ache was building deep inside me that only he could fix.
I looked at him, his dark eyes burned into me, not with the cold calculation I’d grown used to, but with something far more dangerous — hesitation.
It was the first time I’d seen him falter, and it sent a thrill through me.
If he doesn't touch me soon, I'll go crazy.
I pressed my thighs to
