Chapter Ten__Part:2

But as much as I wanted to sort through my emotions, my body betrayed me. The heat I'd felt earlier still lingered, the ache between my thighs only intensifying with his proximity. My skin tingled where his fingers had brushed mine, and the look in his eyes made my pulse quicken. The bond between us wasn't just emotional—it was physical, undeniable, and it was taking all my willpower not to give in to it.

"I can't think straight," I admitted, my voice thick with emotion. "Not with you this close. Not with everything I'm feeling right now."

Kaden's eyes darkened slightly, his hand still resting on mine, his thumb tracing slow circles on my skin. "Tell me what you need, Astrid."

I bit my lip, trying to ignore the rush of desire that flooded through me at his words. But it was too late. The tension, the pull between us, was too strong. I wanted him, and I knew he wanted me just as badly.

Kaden's fingers tightened just slightly around mine as he searched my face, concern flickering in his eyes. "Astrid," he murmured, his voice soft but edged with something deeper, something primal. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head, unable to put my feelings into words. It was all too much...the weight of the prophecy, the amulet, and now this undeniable desire that surged through me every time he was near. But as I tried to pull my hand away, his grip remained steady, not forceful but grounding.

His nostrils flared, and his eyes darkened, the shift so subtle but so obvious. Kaden's gaze dipped lower, sweeping over me as if sensing something I hadn't realized was so apparent. His jaw tightened, and suddenly, the air between us felt charged, thick with anticipation.

"Astrid..." His voice was rough now, deeper, and I saw the way his chest rose and fell a little faster. His eyes never left mine, but I could feel the shift in him, the way his body went still, attuned to mine. "You're... aroused."

My heart leaped into my throat, heat flooding my cheeks at his blunt words. I tried to deny it, to pull away, but Kaden leaned forward, his gaze smoldering, and I felt like prey caught in the gaze of a predator.

"I can smell it," he growled softly, his voice low, barely more than a whisper, but it sent a shiver down my spine. "The moment I woke up... I knew something was different. You don't have to hide it from me."

His words ignited something inside me, a rush of heat that pooled low in my stomach. My body betrayed me again, a soft gasp escaping my lips as I felt the ache between my thighs deepens, the longing to be touched, to be claimed, overwhelming.

Kaden moved closer, the tension between us crackling like a live wire. His intense and dark eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like he could see right through me, into the deepest parts of my soul.

"I've been holding back, Astrid," he said, his voice a husky whisper. "But if you don't stop me now, I won't be able to any longer."

My breath hitched at his words. I should have been scared, should have been overwhelmed by the intensity of his desire. But instead, I felt something inside me unravel, the need I'd been suppressing for so long rising to the surface. I wanted him—more than anything, more than reason could explain.

"Don't stop," I whispered, barely recognizing my voice.

Kaden's eyes blazed at my words, and in an instant, he was moving. He closed the space between us in one swift motion, his hands cradling my face as he leaned in, his lips hovering just inches from mine.

For a heartbeat, he paused, his breath hot against my skin, giving me one last chance to change my mind. But I didn't. I couldn't.

Then, with a growl deep in his chest, Kaden closed the distance, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss so intense it stole the breath from my lungs. His mouth was firm and demanding, and the moment our lips met, a spark ignited, sending waves of heat through my entire body.

I gasped against his lips, my hands instinctively reaching for him, fingers tangling in his hair as I pulled him closer. He groaned softly, the sound vibrating against my mouth, and I could feel the restraint he'd been holding onto for so long slipping away.

Kaden deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing against mine in a slow, sensual caress that made my knees weak. He tasted like something dark and dangerous, like every forbidden thought I'd ever had about him came to life. His hands slid from my face to my waist, pulling me onto his lap and pressing me against his solid frame as if he couldn't get me close enough.

I moaned softly, the sound muffled against his lips, and Kaden responded with a growl that sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine. His hands were everywhere—gripping my hips, sliding up my back, holding me so tightly I felt like I might break, but in the best way possible.

I could feel the heat between us, the desire that had been building for so long, finally breaking free. Every touch, every kiss, every brush of his hands against my skin sent fire coursing through my veins.

And then he pulled away, just enough to rest his forehead against mine, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he tried to rein himself in.

"Astrid," he whispered, his voice rough with need. "I've wanted this... I've wanted you... for so long."

His words sent another rush of heat through me, and I found myself trembling in his arms. "Then take me," I whispered back, my voice filled with the same need, the same longing.

Kaden groaned, his grip tightening on me, and for a moment, I thought he might lose control. But instead, he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering there as if trying to steady himself.

"I will," he promised, his voice barely more than a growl. "But when I do... it will be when you're ready for everything I have to give. However... let me pleasure you for tonight."

The words were like a promise, and before I could respond, his lips found mine again—this time slower, more deliberate, as if savoring every moment, every gasp, every quiver of anticipation that surged through me.

Kaden's hands slid down my body, his touch sending sparks of electricity through my skin as his mouth moved from my lips to the sensitive spot on my neck. He pressed slow, tantalizing kisses there, each one making me melt further into his embrace. His hands roamed lower, tracing the curves of my body with a tenderness that was at odds with the raw desire simmering between us.

I could feel the heat building, the slow burn that pulsed through me as Kaden's touch grew more deliberate, more focused. His fingers grazed over my thighs, sending jolts of pleasure through me, and I gasped, my head falling back as my body arched toward him.

"Let me take care of you," he whispered against my skin, his voice dark and full of promise. His hands began to explore every inch of me, every touch igniting a fire I could no longer control.