Tom’s eyes widened in surprise, but he held her in a desperate embrace at once. The kiss started gentle and delicate, but he returned it with fierceness and anguish blended together, as if he didn't want it to stop, but knew he had to do it, anyway.
She took his face in her hands and planted kisses on his cheekbones, his eyelids, his forehead. She brushed the scar, arousing in him an intense thrill of excitement and sorrow. But then Tom grabbed her arms and pushed her away.
“Stop it, please. You're killing me.”
Upset for that sudden rejection, Alice tried to get up, but Tom changed his mind. He held her still on his legs and kissed her again, more gently, until her lips softened, opening to his tongue. He tasted of coffee, bitter and just as hot. He invaded her mouth, licking, teasing,
