lk

rmth through my body, my br

ce, and despite my best efforts to maintain control, my bo

ispered, my voic

g with mine, and for a moment, the

self for his next move, but

ked, his voice teasing yet tinged wit

nervously. "So... wh-what do you want?" M

his words, Ragnor cap

ing, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he gently sucked the blood from my l

d, his hands warm and stron

inst mine in a slow, lingering kiss that he

urgent, more possessive-as if

up to touch his chest, feeling the steady bea

ockwaves through me, making it harde

s threading through my hair, pulling me

heightening the desire that had been simm

thing heavily, our foreheads resting togethe

asked, his voice

my breath shaky.

ntly cupping my cheek. "Don't let th

s voice, sent a jolt through my veins, mixing

ispered, my voice

smile played at the

harp features-a strong jawline, defined cheekbones-gave him a rugged, aristocratic appeal, w

wanted me this much?" I blurted

lightly parted, trembled

the pause making me ache

d before I could stop myself, the words s

n the air, and I immedi

led with tension. His jaw clenched as he struggled to find the right wor

nning a hand through his hair

m in my chest. The vulnerability I ha

elf. "Then explain it to me," I whispered, my voice shaking despite

idn't clear. He took a step back, his hand fall

ever wanted to hurt you, but I have things-" He stopped, his gaze harden

t I forced myself to stay calm. "S

to a hidden truth. "I'm trying to protect you, Val. From me, f

caught in

t from what? And why didn't he

agnor," I said softly, but firmly. "

gnor looked at me, his face torn, be

. But not now. I'm not ready." His

my heart ached with th

wondering-how much longer cou

d onto something tha