Clara’s POV
His golden eyes held mine captive as his thumb traced my lower lip, the touch barely there but burning all the same. His gaze dropped to follow the movement, lingering on my mouth with an intensity that made my lips part involuntarily.
Every brush of his fingers felt like permission granted. Every moment he pulled away felt like punishment. I found myself leaning into his touch, chasing it when it retreated.
His free hand came up to cup my cheek, his palm warm against my skin. His thumb brushed across my cheekbone, then down to the corner of my mouth.
When I darted my tongue out to wet my dry lips, it grazed his thumb accidentally. The small contact sent another wave of heat through me, and a low sound escaped my throat before I could stop it.
Darius's eyes flashed at the
