Chapter 73. The World Grows Still

Aria stiffened, her cheeks grew hotter as she closed her eyes and kissed him back.

Lucien wrapped his hand around hers, his presence warm and comforting.

The kiss was soft at first, then it moved faster, hotter and more reverent. It was filled with the weight of everything they were. He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her towards him. Her hands slid up his chest and moved into his hair.

Around them, the worlds seemed to have frozen in place. As they lost themselves in the kiss, their skins touched and their desire exploded.

Lucien pulled slightly off her lips and started kissing down her neck. Aria let out a soft surprised gasp, as she felt his lips roam across her body.

By the time he was done, both their bodies were hot.

Aria pulled away first. Her body wanted him. No, it needed him.

“Not here,” she whispered as a moan escaped her lips, “Inside.”

“Are you sure?” he asked as he looked up at her.

She nodded, her voi