Author's POV
Isabelle's world narrowed to the press of Cassian's lips against hers. He kissed her softly, like a tentative exploration that sent a shiver racing down her spine.
His mouth moulding to hers with a restraint that made her pulse stutter, the faint salt of his skin mingling with the clean, soapy scent rising from his still-damp hair.
She froze for a heartbeat, her hands still braced on his chest.
Her hands fisted the silk of his pyjama top where it stretched across his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath her palms—faster than she'd expected, mirroring the frantic rhythm echoing in her own ears.
This was the first time Cassian had kissed her like this; it felt raw and consuming, his lips parting hers with a slow, deliberate pressure that coaxed her mouth open.
Her breath hitched, a soft whimper escaping as his tongue brushed hers, warm and insistent, tasting faintly of mint from whatever he'd used in the shower.
