Bonnie froze for a moment, then instinctively tried to pull away. But Derek only tightened his hold, his touch growing bolder.
She was caught off guard.
His scent enveloped her, warm and familiar. Her resistance faded. He moved with surprising tenderness, his pace slowing, every touch careful yet deliberate. That gentleness only made it harder to bear. A soft flush rose to her pale cheeks. Somewhere along the way, her hand had reached for his shirt. Now her fingers gripped it tightly, knuckles white, as her breathing unraveled into a shaky rhythm.
It was a long while before Derek finally released her. Even then, he didn't step back. He stayed close, his warm gaze lingering on her face.
"Bonnie."
Her name on his lips carried a weight she couldn't ignore. Each time he said it, it landed squarely in her chest. She closed her eyes, as if bracing against the emotion in his voice.
His hand brushed against her cheek, gentle but unyielding. He pressed his forehead lightly to hers.
