The world narrowed to the sharp scent of ozone and the sudden, impossible pressure of Kyle's lips against his own.
Their locking of lips was almost becoming a habit.
One that had to stop.
Alex did not flinch. Neither did he pull away.
He simply went still, his body maintaining its rigid composure as he processed the audacity of the boy.
His heart skipped many beats at their contact, but it didn't race this time. It felt more like something in him wanted to respond so badly to the contact.
He used every ounce of strength in him to remain calm—not to part Kyle's lips and deepen the kiss.
To do so would be to surrender, and Alex had never surrendered a day in his life.
The heavy oak door swung open.
"Alex, I—"
Jasmine's voice died as if the air had been sucked out of the room.
Alex didn't move immediately. He remained leaned over Kyle for a second longer, fighting urges that felt like fire in his veins, before he slowly straightened his back.
