Tentative kiss

(Lisa's POV)

I felt his warm hands carefully lay me down on the bed, his touch gentle as though I were something fragile he didn’t want to break. My body sank into the soft mattress, and I let out a shaky breath, too weak and drained to do much. My eyes fluttered open briefly, only to close again. The alcohol I’d consumed earlier was wreaking havoc on my system, leaving me disoriented and heavy.

But even with my eyes closed, I could sense him. His presence filled the room like a commanding force, his strong aura wrapping around me. His scent was intoxicating—clean, masculine, and refreshing in a way that comforted me.

I felt the bed dip slightly as he sat down beside me. He didn’t speak at first, but I could feel his eyes on me, studying me. Then, with gentle precision, he removed my sneakers, his warm hands brushing against my ankles as he worked. The touch sent a strange, tingling sensation up my legs, causing my body to heat up in response.

What was happening to me?

I sensed him leaning closer, his hand hovering near my face. Was he going to touch me? The thought sent my heart racing. But he hesitated and pulled back instead. I heard him shift, the bed creaking slightly as he stood.

He was leaving.

“No...” I murmured, surprising even myself. Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed his arm, tugging him back toward me. My hands coiled around him, and I buried my face in his chest, inhaling deeply. His scent was addictive, calming the storm inside me while igniting something else entirely.

I didn’t understand what was happening. My body felt hot, my skin itchy with anticipation. I wanted—no, needed—him to stay close to me.

When I opened my eyes again, my vision was clear. For the first time, I got a good look at him.

He was breathtaking.

Dark brown eyes that held a cold, calculating intensity gazed back at me, drawing me in like a force I couldn’t resist. His chiseled features were almost too perfect—sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and lips that looked both soft and dangerous.

Before I knew what I was doing, I leaned up and pressed a tentative kiss to his lips. My heart raced as I trailed kisses across his jaw and chin, my breath hitching with every touch.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice low and steady. The sound sent a shiver down my spine, making my body ache for more.

“I don’t know,” I admitted softly. But that wasn’t entirely true. I did know. I wanted him to touch me, to hold me, to make me forget everything else.

I kissed him again, more boldly this time. My lips moved against his, seeking, pleading. For a moment, he let me. But then he pulled back, his hands gripping my shoulders firmly.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for,” he said, his tone both a warning and a plea.

“I do,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I want you.”

His gaze darkened, and a low chuckle escaped his lips. “You don’t know who I am or what I’m capable of,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “If you give yourself to me, you’ll belong to me completely—body, mind, and soul. There will be no other man for you. Do you understand?” he added, his voice dropping an octave.

When he tried to stand, I tugged him back, my hands clumsily fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. I didn’t care about his words. I was too far gone, too consumed by the fire burning inside me. I reached for him again, and this time, he didn’t resist.

With a growl, he pinned me beneath him, his lips crashing into mine. His kiss was hungry, devouring me like he was trying to claim every part of me. I surrendered to him completely, my body arching into his as he deepened the kiss.

Clothes were discarded in a blur, and when he finally joined us together, a sharp pain tore through me. I cried out, clutching at his shoulders as tears pricked my eyes. He stilled, his forehead pressing against mine as he gave me time to adjust. His lips brushed over my temple, a silent gesture of reassurance.

Then he began to move.

The pain faded quickly, replaced by waves of pleasure so intense I could barely breathe. I clung to him, my nails digging into his back as he carried me to heights I’d never imagined. He was relentless, his movements controlled yet passionate, as though he wanted to imprint himself on every fiber of my being.

***

The sunlight streaming through the curtains woke me the next morning, its brightness piercing through my eyelids. I groaned, rolling onto my side as a dull ache throbbed between my legs. My head pounded a harsh reminder of the alcohol I’d consumed the night before.

Bits and pieces of the previous night began to resurface—the nightclub, Nathan’s betrayal, and... him.

I froze.

My eyes snapped open, and I immediately realized I was in a strange room. The bed I lay on was massive and luxurious, the sheets soft and expensive.

But none of that mattered.

Not when there was an arm draped over my waist.

I turned my head slowly, my heart pounding as I came face-to-face with him.

He was asleep, his dark lashes resting against his sharp cheekbones. His bare chest rose and fell with steady breaths, the tattoos covering his arms and torso on full display. Memories of the night before flooded back to me, each one more vivid than the last.

I gave my virginity to a complete stranger.

“What have I done?” I whispered, my voice trembling with regret.

I looked down at myself, noting the discarded sheets and my lack of clothing. The soreness between my legs was a painful reminder of what had happened.

Panic set in. I needed to get out of here.

Carefully, I lifted his arm, replacing it with a pillow. He stirred slightly but didn’t wake. Grabbing my clothes and bag, I dressed quickly, my hands shaking the entire time.

Without a backward glance, I slipped out of the room and made my way out of the hotel. The ache in my body made it hard to walk, but I pushed through the discomfort.

I Flagged down a cab and headed straight to the airport. I had no reason to stay here any longer. As the cab pulled away, I glanced back at the hotel, my chest tightening with an unfamiliar emotion. I couldn’t believe what had happened. I’d let myself get carried away by a man I didn’t even know.

A stranger who had awakened something in me I didn’t understand. But it didn’t matter now. I needed to go home.

“A ticket to California,” I said to the woman behind the counter, my voice firm despite the chaos in my mind.

As I waited for my flight, I couldn't shake the memories of his piercing gaze, his touch, and the way he made me feel, but it didn't matter, I would never see him again.

Or so I thought.