JASMINE'S POV
And then Aiden kissed me.
There was no warning, no slow lead-up, just heat, pure and sudden, as his mouth met mine.
My heart lurched, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. His lips were warm, sure, but gentle, too, like he was testing the edges of something fragile—me.
Everything else faded, the councils, rules, expectations, and even the ache I'd buried in my chest after the meeting.
It all melted away in the press of his body against mine, in the sound of our breaths mingling in the cool air, in the way the moon seemed to hold its breath above us.
I didn't hesitate.
My fingers found their way into his hair, and I pulled him closer, onto me, into me, not caring what this meant or how much more complicated it would make things.
His hand slid along my back, sending a delicious shiver straight through me, and I pressed closer, craving more.
It was fire. Not the dangerous kind, but the kind that consumes you anyway.
The kiss deepened.
