JASMINE
When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing heavily, chests rising and falling in sync. Stephan rested his forehead against mine, our noses brushing, the warmth of his skin grounding me in the moment. His breath mingled with mine in short, warm puffs.
"Come with me," he whispered, voice low and husky, sending a shiver racing down my spine. "I want to show you something important."
Curiosity sparked inside me, bright and insistent, but I kept it carefully in check. I simply nodded. Stephan's fingers slid down my arm before lacing tightly with mine.
His grip was firm, warm, almost possessive, like he feared I might vanish if he loosened even a fraction.
We walked upstairs together, the grand staircase silent except for the soft pad of our footsteps and the faint rustle of our clothes. Every few steps, his thumb brushed slowly over the back of my hand, tracing small circles that made my pulse quicken.
