48 — “Get on your knees.”

Julian leans his body over mine, resting his hand on the wall next to my head. I raise my eyes, watching his face intently.

“What are you doing?” I insist, asking slowly.

But he doesn't say anything, just presses his knee between my thighs, forcing them to make room for it to fit between them. My heartbeat increases — getting so fast it's about to rip through my chest.

He's been distant all day. I know my father's call has upset him deeply, and I've given him the space he needs. But the way he's looking at me now, sliding one of his hands down my hip, while still leaning on the wall, really knots my mind.

Julian moves his hand up from my hip, my arms, until he reaches my shoulder and, finally, my neck. His palm fits so easily around it that his fingers go to my nape, tangling in my hair.

And the silence of his words could be suffocating, if his eyes didn't shine with all the intensity that I need.

His lips search for mine in a kiss that already starts intense. His tongue slides into m