Elijah POV
Deep regrets filled Elijah's mind as he reflected on the impulsive act of kissing Joana that night. Retreating to his room and closing the door behind him, he leaned wearily against the cool surface, his breath heavy with self-reproach.
How could he have succumbed to such folly? The lack of restraint around Joana had only complicated their already intricate relationship, casting a shadow of confusion between them. The allure of her silhouette beneath the gossamer night garment had been too potent, igniting an irrepressible yearning to reach out and touch her.
The sensation of Joana's belly beneath his hands and the lingering taste of her lips lingered vividly in his memory, tormenting him. Shaking his head to dispel the unwelcome thoughts, he admonished himself for oversteppi
