Her eyes were clouded with uncertainty, and her body tensed. A tremor ran through her, breaking the softness of the moment.
"Elis?" Kiev's voice gentled instantly, crimson eyes searching her face.
His breath, once ragged with desire, steadied as worry replaced lust. He cupped her cheek, hesitant to move further until he understood—her trauma had resurfaced once again.
He froze mid-motion, caught between desire and dread like standing on a narrow bridge over a dark abyss.
His heart pounded. If he stopped now, all of Elis's courage and her preparation for this fantastic night might be wasted. But if he continued… he feared he might push her beyond what she could bear.
Then her voice shattered the silence.
"Help me, Kiev!" Elis pleaded, "I don't want to remember those horrible moments again!"
