Her arms tightened around his neck, and she leaned against him until there was barely any space left between them.
"Cassian..."
His name rolled softly from her lips.
The sweet sound alone was enough to weaken his resolve.
Then she leaned forward and pressed another kiss against his cheek.
And then another.
And another.
A trail of soft kisses followed across his face.
One landed on his other cheek.
Another brushed his jaw.
Then his temple.
The corner of his mouth.
She seemed completely shameless, showering him with affection and kissing him wherever she pleased, looking utterly smug as she did.
Cassian felt as though his brain had stopped functioning altogether.
Every kiss seemed to erase another coherent thought from his head. By the time she finally pulled back, he was still staring at her.
His body had gone completely rigid.
Meanwhile, Juliet continued her relentless attempt to persuade him. She looked at him through her lashes with hopeful eyes that could have melted steel.
"Please?"
Cassian swallowed hard and forced himself to take a slow breath.
He needed to get himself under control.
"No."
His voice came out rougher than intended.
Clearing his throat, he tried to recover some dignity and forced his features into a stern frown.
"I already told you."
His hands remained firmly around her waist despite his words.
"You're not leaving this house."
Juliet immediately huffed in dissatisfaction.
Her cheeks puffed slightly as she glared at him.
Then, before he could continue arguing, she suddenly leaned forward.
A quick kiss landed directly on his lips.
