Kaelen's POV
The golden light from her lamp cast shadows across Lyra's face as her gaze locked onto mine. Sweet traces of vanilla and spice lingered in the air around us, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that made my pulse quicken. Her fingers wrapped around my wrist with surprising strength, sending waves of heat directly through my body.
"I don't hate it," she whispered again, her voice soft but determined. Her thumb moved in gentle circles against my skin, the simple touch both calming and absolutely maddening.
A rough sound escaped my throat, vibrating through my chest and filling the space between us. "You don't need to pretend with me, Lyra. I can sense everything. Your pulse thunders when I'm near. Your breathing becomes uneven at my touch. Your entire being reacts to mine, regardless of what your thoughts might say." I moved closer, my voice becoming rougher, more demanding. "You're mine to influence. Mine to make shiver."
