Slowly, Lance leaned closer. His breath brushed the back of her neck as his fingers found the first of the small buttons running down her spine. He didn't rush. Emira stiffened as he undid the buttons one by one, letting the quiet clicks fill the space between them as he whispered,"I'll start. This way, you can trust me. Okay?"
Emira's trembled at his words and his actions. Could she really trust him? She didn't think so. After all, she had already chosen a path for herself now.
Lance continued undoing the tiny buttons. Each one loosened the fabric a little more, his fingertips brushing her skin so lightly she couldn't tell if it was on purpose or not. When the last button came undone, he paused. Then he eased the top of her dress off one shoulder, letting it slip just enough to expose warm skin to the cool air of the room.
He didn't touch her there.
He just let his hand rest gently at her waist, grounding her.
