Alexander’s POV
Her lips were soft against mine; hesitant at first, but then yielding. I deepened the kiss, my tongue raking against her bottom lip, one hand cradling the curve of her jaw while the other slid down her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between us.
She trembled but didn’t pull away; if anything, she pressed against me, fingers curling into fists against my bare chest as if anchoring herself.
I slowed the kiss, letting it linger, savoring her taste. This wasn’t hunger. This was something far more dangerous—gentleness I hadn’t known I was capable of. My thumb traced the line of her cheekbone, and she shivered beneath my touch.
When I finally pulled back, she was breathless, her eyes wide and luminous in the dim light. I brushed my lips across her f
