She nodded. Just once.
And that was all he needed.
Craig didn't speak. He just looked at her with that quiet fire in his eyes, like he was finally touching something he'd been starving for.
Their mouths met again. Slower now. No rush, no hunger. Just need. Just her. He lowered her gently onto the bed, like she was a wish he was afraid would vanish if he touched her too fast.
He moved over her, coming on top of her with quiet care, his chest bare and warm above hers. Her hand found his skin, his heart beating steady under her palm.
Merlina just stared at him, for a second, she couldn't breathe.
He was beautiful.
Not just in the way his body looked, though that alone was enough to make her ache, but in the way he was. Vulnerable. Strong. Right in front of her, completely unguarded.
He felt like he was all hers in that moment. Every inch of him.
He kissed her so softly, it made her stomach flutter. Like she was made of glass and he didn't want to break her.
