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“You’re shaking.”

“I know.”

“Am I scaring you?”

I almost laugh.

“No, little flower.”

“Then what?”

I brush my thumb across her cheek.

“You are the first thing I have ever wanted that I cannot simply take.”

Her expression softens.

“Good thing you don’t have to.”

She kisses me again.

This time, I answer.

Carefully at first.

Then with growing confidence.

Her fingers slide into my hair, and a low sound escapes my throat.

The lights overhead flicker.

Somewhere outside, thunder rolls across a cloudless sky.

Wren pulls back.

“Was that you?”

“Possibly.”

“Vidar!”

“I am attempting to control it.”

“Well, attempt harder. My landlord already hates me.”

I laugh against her mouth.

She grins.

Then kisses me once more, slower this time.

When she finally steps away, I remain seated, staring at her like a fool.

She touches her lips.

“Well?”

I rise.