Kimi's eyelids snapped open at the sound of his hushed words. She blinked rapidly, confusion clouding her vision. "I-I..."
An unexpected wave of anxiety crashed over her. Moments before, everything had felt natural and right. Now her chest constricted with inexplicable dread.
Her pulse hammered against her ribs, sending tremors through her body.
Kirk's forehead creased as he studied her face. The shift in her demeanor was unmistakable - she was pulling away from him.
He dipped his head toward her mouth, seeking to recapture the intimacy they'd shared. But Kimi twisted away at the last second, and his lips grazed her cheekbone instead.
The gentle contact didn't deter him. His mouth traced a path along her skin, moving from her cheek down to the sensitive curve of her neck. Kimi's eyes fluttered closed as warmth spread through her from his tender kisses.
