THE CARETAKER BRIDE
“You’re not old enough for hard liquor.”
His words stung, though I knew he was just stating a fact. My lips parted, ready to snap at him, but before I could, he suddenly cupped my head in his hand, pulling me closer. The kiss was gentle at first, tentative, as if testing the waters. His eyes searched mine for something—permission, perhaps. I rose on my tiptoes, meeting him halfway, the gesture silent but clear. Then he kissed me properly, his mouth coaxing mine open, his tongue finding mine with slow, deliberate care. The taste of whisky flooded my senses, but it was nothing compared to the heat building in my chest from the kiss. It wasn’t just the alcohol that was intoxicating—it was him.