Elena “Alaric—mmph...” He had already captured my lips before I could finish my words as his hand wrapped firmly around my waist, pulling me against him, while his other hand slid at the back of my head, fingers threading into my hair as he pressed me closer. His mouth moved against mine with desperate intensity, stealing the air from my lungs. The kiss deepened, slow, and consuming. His warmth overwhelming my already feverish skin. I felt his breath mingle with mine, felt the way he tilted his head to claim me again whenever I tried to suppress the heat on my body and suppress the urge to respond to his kisses. He kissed as if he owned me. “Mmn...” A soft, involuntary sound slipped from my throat as my fingers instinctively curled into his shirt. The room felt small

