Chapter 105

Emma's POV

The kiss was achingly slow, each movement of his lips against mine deliberate and careful, as if...as if, he was exploring new territory, testing the waters before diving in.

The world around us seemed to fade, the only reality that mattered was the connection between our lips. His hand moved from my cheek to the nape of my neck, his fingers tangling gently in my hair as he deepened the kiss, still slow, still so tender, but with a growing heat that made my heart race. There was no rush, no urgency, just the steady build of something powerful, something that set my entire body alight with a sensation I hadn’t allowed myself to feel before.

I could feel his other hand resting on my waist, his thumb stroking small, soothing circles against my skin through the fabric of my dress. It was such a simple touch, yet it sent sparks of electricity through me, heightening every sensation. The kiss grew deeper, more insistent, but never demanding. He was coaxing me, guiding me with a