Lancet froze, his breath catching sharp in his throat as Astensia's lips crashed against his.
The kiss wasn't tentative or gentle. Not like the one she had given him before they headed to Hebthej.
No, this one was raw, desperate, like she'd been holding it back for days and it finally broke free. Her mouth moved with a hunger that sent heat surging through his veins, her tongue slipping past his parted lips to taste him.
Lancet could taste her too. He could taste the faint salt of her earlier tears, the tang of specks of steel from her armor, and the fruity taste of ancient lipstick.
His hand, still gripping hers, tightened instinctively, fingers digging into her callused palm while the other hovered uncertainly at her waist. He didn't know if it was okay to hold her.
'Holy shit,' he reeled in his mind. 'She's kissing me again. And it's stronger this time.'
