I wait.
She doesn’t pull away.
I slide my fingers down, tracing a line she feels everywhere.
She whispers, “Jaxon…”
“Yes.”
“This is dangerous.”
I lean in. Close. Close enough that my forehead nearly touches hers.
“Only if you want it to be.”
Her breathing unravels.
Her lips part.
She’s trembling.
I touch her chin with my fingers, gentle, steady, and lift her face just enough for her to look at me.
“Tell me to stop,” I say softly.
Her thigh presses against mine.
She’s shaking like she’s fighting herself.
“I…” Her breath catches. “I can’t.”
That’s all I need.
I tilt her chin up another fraction.
Her lips are right there.
Soft. Pink. Barely parted.
I whisper, “Then I’m going to kiss you.”
She whispers back, “Okay.”
RUBY
He moves slowly.
So slow I could die.
His hand stays on my chin, warm and steady. His breath brushes my mouth. His forehead nearly touches mine.
I’m trembling.
He notices.
He always notices.
“Look at me,” he says softly.
