and she struggled to make sense of why they were there. Moments earlier, she had thought they were at

shed against hers in a fierce, unrelenting kiss. His body pressed agai

ressing into her, her own curves molding agai

t was happening or why, but the haze that enveloped her thoughts grew thicker a

stirring the same sensation she had felt earlier tha

on hers as if seeking permission to deepen t

ry. The moment his tongue met hers, she felt a rush of

about in stories. The way his tongue teased hers, before en

f her inner thigh, igniting a fire within her. Every touch m

er hand moved slowly up from her waist, tracing the curve of her body even through the fabric of her

reacted like this. Pulling away from him, she gasped for ai

she stammered, her mind struggling to com

dominance. His fingers pinched the soft skin of her inner thigh, causing her to y

en more. She bit her bottom lip, trying to make sen

that, Lily?" Valerian's deep voice rumbled in her ear. The way he ca

ing her lip; it was an uncons

r thigh, creating a sudden and unsettling emptiness in her body. He

he growled, his voice rough with

p the fallen mask. The absence of his touch left her feeling strangely

as apologizing, but the words spilled out as she fumble

he reached out to help her, his warm fingers brushing against her cold ones as he adjusted the mask with care. His

. Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise at her own words.

d. The last time someone had told him that, it was his sister, long ago. Hearing it again, e

tone more neutral as he tried to regain his composure. Taking her hand, he led her to

acy flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but notice how different he was now-gentle

encounter. It didn't look right, and she couldn't help but feel a little flustered. She wondered what

nd returned to Liliana, gently wiping the smudged lipstick from around her mouth. The t

ffered, feeling uneasy

silencing any further protest from her. She compli

out to dispose of it, Liliana noticed that his lips were also stained. Hesitating for a

n unexpected jolt through him. "Fuck, Lily!" he cursed, the wor

liana asked, startl

n responded curtly, turning on his heel and walking out of

touched would leave my territory only after pleasuring me. Then why did I stop myself in front of her?' He clenched his fists,

k he had chosen for the event. He quickly put it on, adjusting it just as he heard

hout a word, she reached out, adjusting it with careful pre

rmined not to let his presence overwhelm her. Once she was done, Liliana stepped back, her hands re

ment longer than necessary. Without responding, he turned an

. As they stepped into the hallway, Valerian casually slipped the keycard into his po

iar shiver down her spine, and Liliana couldn't