24

As Kael and I moved together to the bed in the heart of the tower, I gently tugged him down towards me, lying back as he positioned himself carefully above me. His caution was evident, his movements tender and mindful, as he supported his weight on his elbows, his lips meeting mine in a series of soft kisses.

Drawing back slightly, I looked into his eyes. "What's holding you back?" I whispered, urging him to let go of this hesitation.

He smiled as he leaned in to kiss my neck. "I just don't want to hurt you, Sky," he murmured against my skin, his breath sending shivers all over my body.

His lips followed his fingers on my stomach as he pushed my shirt up. With deliberate slowness, his fingers traced the waistband of my jeans, teasingly inching them down with each pass.

Before I fully comprehended the progression, he had my pants eased down around my hips, his mouth moving upwards to my chest. My breath caught as he gently pushed my bra up, his attention amplifying with every kiss.

The