Thea wasn’t sure how long he kissed her for, beneath the light of the waxing moon. His hands were lost in her hair. Hers wrapped around him, clinging to his tunic. Holding him close. But no matter how he pinned her against the stone balustrade, it could never be close enough. He lit a fire within her, one that would not be easily tempered.
Ronin broke for breath, his forehead resting against her own. Their breath mingled as the sounds of the ballroom washed over them. They were alone, in the darkness. Beyond the light of society. Everything they were doing was wrong.
Yet he took her hand and led her down towards the steps that led onto the ornamental grass. It was going to be another icy night, and her exhale turned to mist as she followed him. Heart racing, pounding in her ears like th
