"I've wanted this for so long," Aeris whispered, her breath mingling with his, her eyes holding his gaze with a mixture of nervous excitement and fierce determination. "I think it's time".
Zaeryn didn't need any further confirmation.
The years of unspoken tension, the carefully maintained boundaries, crumbled in that instant. He saw not just the sister, who had protected him and tolerated his moods, but the woman she was, confident, beautiful, and now, undeniably wanting him.
His answer wasn't words. He simply tightened his grip, pulling her closer, and captured her mouth again. This kiss wasn't hesitant or questioning; it was a claiming, a mutual surrender to the inevitable.
Aeris melted against him, her earlier vulnerability replaced by an eager response, her hands tangling fiercely in his hair, pulling him down.
