Chapter 21 Aria

• The unexpected softness of the kiss contrasts with the intensity of the attraction it ignited in me. My mind screams in protest, reminding me of his position, of his marriage, of the betrayal this act represents. But those thoughts are drowned out by the overwhelming force of desire consuming my body.
• Yet, even knowing I should push him away, I cannot resist his touch. It is as if my will has been overpowered by the magnetism of the moment. The taste of his lips, the softness with which they press against mine—everything is as addictive as I remember. Without realizing it, I part my lips, giving him permission to advance, to let his tongue invade me, exploring my mouth with an intimacy he managed to awaken in me.
• My body is beyond my control, acting on its own as if moving with muscle memory. My hands, which should be pushing him away, instead glide to his neck, fingers trailing along the nape, feeling the silky texture of his light strands. The warmth of his body radiates into mine, and the touch of his skin against mine sends a shiver down my spine.