Chapter 274: Permanent (Katelyn's POV)

(Katelyn's POV)

"Your arm," Ryder murmured, though he made no attempt to slow down. Instead, he only kissed me more fiercely, the fingers of one hand entwining themselves in the hair at the nape of my neck while the other grabbed my butt, holding me firmly against his body.

"I don't care," I said breathlessly, my palms pressed against his chest. I could feel his heart racing beneath my hands, the rhythm so comforting and familiar.

The way he touched me, it felt like he was battling some kind of internal conflict. His touch seemed to shift between tender and caring to dominant and possessive. It was almost like he had to keep reminding himself to slow down. To be gentle.

A soft moan escaped my lips as his kisses wandered down the side of my neck. He stopped suddenly, pulling away slightly with his jaw clenched. I could see something flicker in his eyes. Guilt, maybe? Regret?

His eyes were fixed firmly on my neck and I watched as his expression darkened. I felt his thumb brush across it