Kael was the first to wake.
Even before opening his eyes, he felt the warmth that still wrapped around him, like the soft aftertaste of a dream. Somewhere beyond the windows, morning was slowly being born—the muted light slipped through the gaps in the heavy curtains, painting thin golden stripes across the floor. The room was filled with Auren's quiet breathing. Her presence was almost intangible, yet he knew she was right there.
When he finally cracked his eyes open, his gaze fell on her. Auren was asleep, curled in his arms as if afraid he might vanish the moment she loosened her grip. Her dark hair spilled across the pillow in soft waves, and her lips were slightly parted, as though she had tried to say something in her sleep but changed her mind.
Kael held his breath. In the silence of morning, her face revealed none of the sharpness, none of the defiance she so often used to shield herself from the world. Only vulnerability. Only the gentle light sliding across her skin, the faint blush that could have been mistaken for sunlight—if he didn't know she had fallen too deeply asleep to notice it.
He studied her for a long time, memorizing each feature. His fingers twitched but didn't touch her, as if one wrong move might shatter this rare, fragile moment of quiet.
Auren stirred, her breathing deepened, and her fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of his shirt. A moment later, she slowly opened her eyes, still hazy with sleep.
Kael saw the flicker of surprise in them, followed by the faintest smile—a smile he had never seen from her before. It was sincere, calm, stripped of her usual stubbornness or bite.
"Good morning," she whispered, her voice husky from sleep, carrying a warmth that tugged at something inside him.
Kael couldn't help smiling back, though deep in his chest the fire kindled again—that warm, dangerous fire that burned only when she was near.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned down slowly, his gaze lingering on her lips. Before Auren could blink, his mouth was on hers.
The kiss was unhurried, lazy, drenched in warmth—like the morning sun filtering through the curtains. It lasted several minutes, slow yet possessive, as if Kael wanted to draw every second of it into himself.
When he finally pulled back, his voice came low, husky.
"Good morning."
Auren stretched, nestling in more comfortably, her lips curving into a sly smile.
"A very good morning," she drawled, lazily trailing her fingers across his shoulder. "Especially when it starts like this."
Kael narrowed his eyes, as if mulling something over.
"Like this?" In a swift move, he rolled her onto her back, pinning her beneath him. "What about like this?"
His lips brushed her neck, featherlight. Auren shivered but quickly furrowed her brows, feigning indifference.
"You're using your charm for your own benefit again," she muttered, gripping his hand.
Kael smirked, his eyes glinting with playful fire.
"Of course. It works."
Auren rolled her eyes, though her smile only widened. She tried to push him off, but he only drew her closer, his fingertips lazily tracing the curve of her waist.
"Looks like someone's gotten a little too relaxed," he whispered.
"Looks like someone's celebrating too soon," Auren shot back, rolling them over with a sudden twist so that she ended up on top.
Kael let out a surprised breath, then grinned with satisfaction.
"Trying to beat me at my own game?"
"Already winning," Auren declared smugly, pressing her palms against his chest.
"We'll see about that…" Kael murmured, his hands gliding down her back.
He watched her with that look—the lazy, half-lidded stare laced with raw, unhidden interest. His arms caged her in on either side, trapping her in place, though Auren showed no sign of wanting to escape.
"So," he breathed, leaning close enough that his breath ghosted over her lips, "are you going to surrender?"
Auren tilted her chin, a bold smile tugging at her mouth.
"Me? Never."
Kael gave a low chuckle.
"Is that so?" His lips brushed the corner of hers, lingering but withholding the closeness she craved. "Then why," he whispered, "are your hands clutching my shirt so tightly?"
Auren blinked before realizing that, indeed, her hands were clutching at his shirt. She made no move to let go.
"To keep you from running away," she retorted.
Kael laughed, low and husky.
"Wasn't planning on it," he admitted, before capturing her mouth with his. This time it wasn't playful—it was demanding, deep, as though sealing his words with something she couldn't doubt.
Auren felt his warmth envelop her, seeping into her, burning away the last remnants of morning drowsiness. She pressed closer, holding him tighter, giving him no chance to tease, though it seemed Kael had no such intention.
When he finally drew back, his eyes sparkled mischievously.
"So… who's winning now?"
Auren only rolled her eyes and punched his shoulder.
"You're impossible."
"Me?" Kael arched a brow. "I'd say you're the one who dragged me into this game."
She crossed her arms over her chest, feigning displeasure, though the corners of her lips betrayed her with a twitch.
"Fine," Kael muttered as he rolled onto his side beside her. "You wanted me to stay until morning. Well, morning's here. What now?"
Auren thought for a moment before flashing a sly smile. Kael raised a brow, still lazily watching her, noting the foxlike look in her eyes.
"To work, of course," she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Kael's expression darkened instantly.
"You're serious?"
"What, did you expect me to say 'stay in bed and kiss me all day'?"
He smirked but said nothing, only brushing his fingers across her cheek, making her still for the briefest second.
"Sounds like a perfect plan to me," he murmured at last.
Auren shook her head, slipping out from beneath him before sitting up and running her fingers through her hair.
"But I've got another plan," she added.
"The one where we actually go to work?" Kael grumbled, sinking back into the pillows without moving.
"Exactly." Auren stood and headed for the wardrobe without so much as a glance in his direction.
Kael sighed deeply, staring at the ceiling before pushing himself up as well. He stepped closer and, before Auren could protest, wrapped his arms around her from behind, burying his face in the curve of her neck.
"Fine," he muttered. "But only because you're making me."
Auren smiled, her hands brushing over his arms.
"Of course I am. And you're not even resisting."
He gave a short grunt before reluctantly letting her go.
"Then let's see who gets ready faster."
Auren turned, narrowing her eyes at him.
"You're challenging me?"
"Always," Kael smirked, and before she could reply, he was already striding to the door, leaving her to roll her eyes, though her lips betrayed her with a smile.
He moved toward the door at an easy pace, lazily tugging the hem of his shirt into place. But just as his hand touched the doorknob, he heard it.
"Kael."
Her voice—soft, lingering, with a trace of mischief—made him freeze. He didn't turn right away, but slowly shifted his head.
Auren stood only a few steps away, but she didn't stay still. She moved closer. And closer still.
Kael narrowed his eyes, watching the sly smile tug at her lips.
"What?" he drawled, though his hand remained on the door.
"You forgot something," Auren said innocently, taking another step until the distance between them nearly vanished.
His brow lifted, waiting, but she didn't rush. Instead, her hand brushed the edge of his shirt as if to straighten it… before her fingertips traced lightly along the skin at the base of his neck.
Kael's breath hitched.
Auren tilted her head, feigning thought.
"Just wanted to say… have a good day."
She leaned in, almost close enough to kiss him—but at the last moment, she spun away toward the wardrobe, as if nothing had happened.
Kael let out a slow breath, narrowing his eyes.
"Dangerous game you're playing, Auren."
She only glanced back with a smile.
"You're the one who said—always."
A smirk curved Kael's lips, but behind it lay something else—an edge of joy, satisfaction, and the quiet certainty that he'd started his morning exactly the way he wanted.
He closed the door behind him and strode quickly toward his own room. The corridor was silent, and he paid no attention to it, lost in thoughts of her.
But someone noticed.
From the shadows between the broad columns, his mother stood, her composure cold and measured. She had seen her son step out of the room of the one who should never have crossed that line. She had seen his smirk, his confident stride, the look of satisfaction written clearly across his face.
***
Kael fastened his belt, though his thoughts were far from the room. The conversation with Auren from the night before replayed in his mind on an endless loop.
She was just trying to survive.
Those words haunted him. His mother had tortured her for years, starting when she was only six. Locking her in the basement. Beating her with belts, with chains. Forcing her to carry burdens too heavy even for grown men. Burning her feet under the sun. Starving her until she collapsed.
But why?
Kael frowned as he slipped into his shirt. Auren had been just a child. Even if she had done something that warranted discipline—no one deserved that. And she… he remembered how fragile she had been. Small, quiet, almost breakable. Even now, after all these years, her wrists still felt delicate under his fingers.
His gaze dropped as he smoothed the fabric over his chest. His mother had always been strict, yes—but never cruel. She could silence him with a look, crush him under the weight of her presence, punish him for disobedience—but she had never raised a hand against him.
Then why Auren? Why treat her as though she wanted to break her… or kill her?
Kael inhaled sharply and shut his eyes. The pieces were falling into place, forming something grotesque, but there was still something missing. A truth he hadn't uncovered. Something he wasn't seeing.
He opened his eyes and caught his own reflection in the mirror. His jaw tightened.
He would find the answer.
***
Auren finished the last sip of her tea and set the cup back on the table. Breakfast had gone as usual, yet something inside her felt different—light, almost weightless, as though a quiet but warm flame smoldered within. She could hardly contain a smile while her thoughts stubbornly circled back to the morning, to heated whispers, to lingering touches.
Rising from her chair, she moved gracefully toward the door, but the moment she crossed the threshold, a tall figure blocked her path. Madam Dantes.
"You look… well-rested today." Her voice was even, almost languid, yet tinged with a strange undertone.
Auren tensed involuntarily as her eyes met the woman's. Something clenched inside her—not fear, but a troubling sense of foreboding. The words themselves were ordinary, yet spoken in such a way that a chill crept down her spine.
She could feel that gaze, that veiled interest, carrying no kindness and no simple curiosity. Only something slippery, elusive, like a snake lying in the grass, watching, waiting to strike.
Auren did not flinch. Maintaining her composure, she inclined her head smoothly and replied evenly,
"Thank you. I really did sleep well."
She stepped aside, striving for indifference, yet the strange aura of those words clung to her long after.
***
At the Gate
Kael stood with his back against the hood of the car, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were fixed on the entrance to the mansion, though his thoughts ran deeper than he wished.
Auren was always the first to come out. It had been the norm. A habit. But from today, everything would change.
His car would be waiting for her every morning now.
He would drive her every day.
Auren stepped lightly outside, but when she noticed Kael leaning against the car, she slowed, her brows knitting in surprise.
"You're… waiting for me?" she asked, stopping in front of him.
Kael slowly pushed away from the hood, leaning closer. His dark eyes held unwavering confidence.
"From today on, I'll be driving you every day."
Auren folded her arms, tilting her head as if trying to gauge his intentions.
"Is that… an order?"
"A fact."
She narrowed her eyes.
"And if I refuse?"
Kael smirked as he pulled open the passenger door.
"Then we'll just stand here at the gate until you change your mind."
Auren rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched with a suppressed smile. She knew arguing was pointless.
Kael waited patiently for her to get in on her own. And when the door finally shut, he slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.
Of course, they could always discuss it on the way. And their views on how to behave at work might not exactly align.
***
In the Car
Auren sat with her arms crossed, casting him measured looks.
"So you're really going to drive me every day?"
"I told you I would."
"And what if someone sees us?"
Kael gave her a brief glance, his focus returning to the road, though his voice remained steady.
"Let them."
Auren sighed heavily and leaned back against the seat.
"Fine. But at work, we stay boss and secretary. Nothing personal."
He didn't answer right away, not rushing to agree.
"So you want me to treat you like everyone else?"
She felt his gaze and pressed her lips together.
"Exactly."
Kael smirked, though his eyes stayed serious.
"Are you sure you can handle that?"
She shot him a sharp look.
"Can you?"
He chuckled.
"All right. Let's find out."
But in his voice lingered something else.
As if he already knew which one of them would break the pact first.
***
Auren entered the office, a stack of documents in her hands.
Kael didn't even look at her.
"Put the reports on my desk."
His voice was cold, his tone clipped—unnaturally distant.
Auren narrowed her eyes slightly.
So soon?
Without a word, she walked over and carefully placed the folder in front of him. Kael continued flipping through his papers without lifting his head.
No glance.
No hint that only hours ago he had held her in his arms, kissed her, touched her.
"Did you check them?" he asked curtly.
"Of course."
"Good. Then go back to work."
He still didn't look at her.
Auren drew in a slow breath, a quiet smirk forming inside her.
Ah, so that's how it's going to be?
She turned toward the door, but just as she reached it—
"Oh, Miss Laurent."
Auren stopped and slowly turned back, catching his assessing gaze.
She could almost hear the hidden challenge in his tone.
"Next time, bring the reports properly. I'm not here to sort them out myself."
Auren tilted her head ever so slightly, as if considering his words—though in truth, she was savoring the moment.
"Understood, Mr. Dantes."
Her voice was flawlessly even, but a mischievous spark flickered in her eyes.
She turned gracefully and left, feeling his gaze burn into her back.
Only when the door closed behind her did Auren allow herself a faint smirk.
You want a game?
Very well. Let's play.
***
Auren sat at her desk, lightly swinging one leg as she flipped through a stack of documents.
Or rather, pretended to.
Her mind was anywhere but on work.
Kael had clearly decided to play the game of distance. No glance, no hint of what had happened yesterday. As if they were nothing more than a boss and his secretary.
Amusing.
A quiet smirk touched Auren's lips as she set the documents aside, resting her elbows on the desk and lacing her fingers together.
You started this game, Kael. But I'll be the one to continue it.
She didn't need to think long. She knew him too well.
She knew how he always needed to control the situation. How he was used to leading, to keeping everything under his influence.
But what if he lost that control?
Auren tilted her head slightly, considering the details. Kael valued composure. Which meant it irritated him when someone disrupted that composure.
She bit her lip lightly as the perfect scenario began to take shape in her mind.
Yes. This would work.
All she had to do was wait for the right moment.
The Game Begins
She didn't have to wait long.
A sharp chime sounded—Kael had pressed the call button.
Auren immediately picked up her tablet, though she didn't hurry to stand.
Well then. The moment had come.
Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her expression into neutrality and finally rose, making her way to his office.
As soon as she entered, Kael didn't even lift his gaze.
He sat at his desk, leafing through papers while the monitor glowed beside him.
"Miss Laurent, bring me the contract reports for last month."
His voice was steady, cold.
As though they really were nothing more than employer and employee.
Auren almost smiled.
All right, Mr. Dantes, let's see how long you last.
"Of course," she replied in the same neutral tone. But as she turned toward the door, her tablet accidentally brushed against a pen on his desk.
The pen rolled off and clattered to the floor.
Auren froze.
Then she slowly bent down, one hand braced against the edge of the desk.
Her movements were unhurried, deliberate—her dress lifting just slightly along the line of her thigh as she stretched for the fallen pen.
Silence.
Too much silence.
She knew he was watching.
But how closely?
Auren didn't rush, almost lingering on purpose before finally picking up the pen. Straightening, she pretended nothing unusual had happened and held it out to Kael.
"Here."
Only then did she meet his eyes.
And there it was—
Oh, he had noticed.
Kael's gaze narrowed, but it wasn't the same as before.
It was sharper.
Hungrier.
"Thank you," he said slowly, taking the pen from her hand.
Their fingers brushed.
Just for a second.
But long enough for Auren to feel the heat of his skin—hotter than it should've been.
Oh, you felt that, didn't you?
She smirked inwardly, though her face remained calm.
"I'll bring the report."
With that, she turned and walked out of the office.
The first move was made.
Kael's Countermove. Kael clenched his jaw as he watched her leave.
So, she wanted to play seriously.
But if she thought she could win that easily… she was wrong.
Dragging a hand down his face, he wasted no time pressing the call button again.
"Miss Laurent, come in."
Seconds later, the door opened.
Auren entered, calm—far too calm.
"Yes, Mr. Dantes?"
He leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on her.
"Am I supposed to wait half an hour while my secretary decides to bring me the documents?"
She blinked slowly.
"That took only five minutes."
"I don't care. Next time, don't waste time."
His tone was harsher than usual—deliberately so.
Auren gave nothing away. But he saw it.
The faint twitch of her lips, the ghost of a smirk.
She was enjoying this.
Almost as much as he was.
"Of course, Mr. Dantes," she said smoothly, stepping closer.
"Where are the reports?"
"Here."
She extended the folder.
But instead of simply taking it, Kael snatched the documents with one hand—while the other slid down over her wrist, slow, deliberate, almost accidental.
Her skin was warm.
The same as last night.
Auren didn't flinch.
But he felt it.
For a split second, her breath hitched.
She quickly pulled away, yet that was enough to satisfy Kael.
He slowly opened the folder, flipping through the pages with feigned indifference.
"Perfect. You may go now."
Auren stepped back, but before turning around, her voice came—quiet yet clear:
"Do you want anything else, Mr. Dantes?"
Kael lifted his gaze.
She was looking straight at him.
And he could clearly see the challenge burning in her eyes.
A slow smirk curved his lips.
"Not yet, Miss Laurent."
She gave a slight nod and walked out without another word.
Kael leaned back in his chair, fingers laced together, his gaze lingering on the door.
"You make me want more, Auren."
"But I'll make sure you're the first to break."
Auren returned to her office, still feeling the ghost of Kael's touch on her wrist.
She shut the door and drew in a deep breath.
Good. She would show him what it meant to play for real.
Her eyes fell on the water cooler in the corner.
The idea came instantly.
Walking over, Auren grabbed a cup, filled it halfway, and deliberately spilled it onto herself.
Cold liquid trailed down her arm, soaking into the fabric of her blouse and leaving damp marks.
Next.
She opened the cabinet, found a fresh water jug, and carried it back to the cooler.
Her fingers tightened around the heavy container as she lifted it, pulling the old one free.
Of course, a few drops spilled onto the floor.
Not enough.
Auren tilted the jug on purpose, letting more water gush out, spreading across the floor in a wide puddle.
Perfect.
She laid the container on its side, allowing the water to run for a few more seconds before suddenly dropping into the very center of the puddle.
The cold spread instantly, soaking through her clothes.
Auren drew in a sharp breath and slammed the empty jug onto the floor.
The dull thud echoed through the office.
She quickly checked her reflection in the glass.
Her blouse clung, damp and see-through in places. A sheen of water on her face. Strands of hair sticking wetly against her skin.
Flawless.
Now all she had to do was wait—for Kael to appear.
***
A dull crash echoed through the office.
Kael's head snapped up.
Something had fallen in the outer room.
Without hesitation, he strode to the door, threw it open, and hurried toward Auren's office.
The moment he pushed the door wide, he froze.
Auren was on the cold floor, soaked through. Wet strands clung to her face, her white blouse darkened with damp, and a pool of water spread across the tiles around her.
In two strides, Kael was at her side.
"What happened?!" His voice cut sharp and hard.
Auren lifted her eyes, looking faintly embarrassed.
"I… I tried to change the water in the cooler," she murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Kael exhaled sharply.
Damn it.
His mind flung him backward.
Auren—nine years old, dragging a sack of flour five times her weight.
Auren—standing before his mother, fighting tears, yet obeying orders without hesitation.
Fury boiled inside him.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" His voice cracked with raw anger.
Auren blinked, startled by his reaction.
"It's just a bottle of water…"
"You're not supposed to be lifting anything that heavy!" Kael bent down, grasping her wrists. His hold was firm but not harsh as he pulled her to her feet.
Before she could react, she found herself pressed against him.
"You're drenched, for fuck's sake…" he muttered through gritted teeth.
His hand ran down her soaked sleeves, as if checking whether she was freezing.
He wanted to be angry.
Wanted to shake her for this recklessness.
But instead, his fingers trembled when he felt her skin through the wet fabric.
The game was forgotten.
The cold mask, gone.
The strictness he meant to keep—slipped away.
All he saw now was a girl who had lived too long as if her body wasn't her own.
He stifled a sigh.
"Come on. You need to change."
His voice was softer than he meant it to be.
Auren's first victory.
Kael held her tightly, as though afraid she'd pull another stunt. His fingers wrapped around her wrist, his gaze hard and furious.
But then Auren let out a breath, shook her head, and something like triumph flickered in her eyes.
"I won."
Kael stiffened.
"…What?"
She lifted her chin, meeting his eyes with near-victorious defiance.
"You lost, Mr. Dantes."
He blinked, trying to grasp her meaning.
Auren bit her lip, trying to hide a smirk, but the glimmer of amusement in her eyes betrayed her.
"You—" Kael exhaled, and it was clear he was losing his composure.
His fists clenched, jaw tightening.
"You set this up?!"
His eyes darted over the puddle on the floor, the toppled container, her drenched clothes—then he shut them tightly, drawing in a sharp breath.
He tried to steady himself, but it didn't help.
Auren barely suppressed a grin, but something inside her quivered—and before she could stop herself, her lips parted into a smile.
And then…
She laughed.
Seeing Kael's bewildered face, she broke into loud, ringing laughter. Not a smirk, not a restrained chuckle, but pure, unguarded mirth that seemed to fill the entire room.
Kael froze.
He forgot to breathe.
He'd seen her smirk.
He had seen her sly smiles.
But never—never!—her real laughter.
That sound struck him harder than her trick ever could.
Her shoulders shook, her eyes shone so brightly he couldn't look away. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hold it back, but that only sparked another fit.
Kael watched, utterly transfixed.
And all his anger vanished without a trace.
She was laughing.
And more than anything in the world, he wanted to hear that laugh again.
Auren's laughter filled the room, her shoulders trembling, her breath catching.
Kael never looked away.
She noticed.
"Why are you staring like that?" she asked through her laughter, catching his gaze.
Kael didn't answer.
He only leaned in.
Only caught her wrist, stopping her from pulling away.
Only covered her lips with his.
Auren froze.
Her laughter died on her lips, dissolving into the kiss.
Hot.
Hungry.
Wild.
She hadn't even drawn a breath before he pulled her closer, his fingers tightening around hers as if afraid she might disappear along with her laughter.
She felt him tremble—not from the cold, but from her.
This kiss wasn't part of their game.
Not a bid for victory.
Not a ploy.
It was something more.
Kael couldn't stop himself.
Because that laughter…
He would remember it forever.
Auren didn't pull away.
Didn't push him off.
Didn't turn aside.
She answered.
Kael felt her fingers tighten around his hand, felt her lips quiver before yielding to him.
And then he truly deepened the kiss.
Hot. Desperate. Alive.
He moved with rough intensity, yet with a tenderness that seemed to drink in her laughter, to keep it from vanishing.
Her lips melted against his, warm and soft, giving themselves completely.
He leaned in harder, drawing her closer, until not a breath of space remained between them.
Her fingers slid upward, clutching the collar of his shirt, then tangling in the hair at his nape.
She wouldn't let him go—just as he wouldn't let her slip away.
The kiss grew deeper, longer, until the world spun.
Hot breaths mingled. Hearts thundered in unison.
And in that moment, there was no game, no winners, no losers.
Only them.
Kael was still breathing hard, struggling to steady himself after the kiss. His gaze stayed on Auren, standing before him with lips slightly swollen, eyes gleaming with mischief.
And then—she smirked.
"You lost."
Kael blinked, not immediately grasping what she meant.
"Twice," Auren continued, folding her arms across her chest. "First, when you rushed out of your office to take care of me. And now…"
She tilted her head, as if studying his face.
"Now, when you couldn't hold yourself back."
Her words rang with too much certainty, too much triumph.
"You wanted to treat me like everyone else, didn't you?" Her voice was soft, almost mocking. "And in the end…"
Auren gave a slight shake of her head, her gaze locked challengingly on his.
"In the end, you didn't."
Kael exhaled darkly, running his tongue over his lips, erasing the last trace of her taste.
She was right.
Damn it.
She had won.
Kael stared at Auren, something unnameable rising inside him—a tangle of irritation, desire, and an unsettling, unfamiliar admiration.
He had lost.
The first time—because of her trick. She had staged everything, and like a fool, he had rushed to her aid. But then, he hadn't been thinking about the rules of their game… he had only been thinking about her.
But the second time…
The second time had been all on him.
He hadn't held back. All it took was her laughter—so real, so unrestrained—and something inside him snapped. He reached for her without a thought.
The second time he lost, it was his own fault.
No.
The truth was, he had lost much earlier.
He lost the moment he saw the fire in her eyes, back in the distant past.
He lost when he began to see her not as just another from the household, but as a girl who could look straight into his soul.
He lost the first time she dared to challenge him.
He had lost from the very beginning.
Kael pulled himself together, stepping back and averting his gaze.
"You should clean this up," he said at last, forcing his voice to sound calm. "But first…"
He broke off.
His eyes betrayed him, sliding downward, and his jaw clenched hard.
He fought to keep his gaze up, but the traitorous pull was stronger, dragging his eyes lower, obeying some primal impulse.
Auren's thin blouse, soaked through with water, clung to her body, outlining every curve.
He had never allowed himself to look at her like this before.
But now…
The fabric traced the line of her waist, molded the soft swell of her chest, hinted at the flawless shape her clothes usually concealed.
A shiver ran down his spine.
Kael lingered too long. He knew it—knew it, but couldn't pull away at once.
Damp strands of hair clung to her neck, and he was seized by the sudden urge to brush them aside with his fingers, to feel the heat of her skin beneath.
She was too much.
Too risky.
Kael clenched his jaw and forced himself to lift his gaze again.
But it was already too late.
Auren had caught him.