Page 201 of The Bittersweet Bond

“I don’t know how I’m ever supposed to stop.”

Her smile was dangerous, utterly reckless. “Then don’t.”

Bas stared at her, his chest rising and falling heavily as if trying to hold onto some form of control. But there was no hesitation in her eyes, no doubt. She met his gaze—steady, unwavering—her hands resting lightly on his chest, as if she could keep him from pulling away.

“Evin…” His voice was hoarse, unsteady, almost a warning.

“Stop being so careful,” she murmured, and the quiet strength in her voice completely undid him.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Bas said.

She laughed softly, almost teasing, and let her fingers glide over the fabric of his shirt until they found his buttons. “Maybe you’re underestimating me, Bas.”

Her eyes stayed locked on his, and he saw that she meant it. No hesitation, no walls. She wanted this—wanted him—as much as he wanted her.

“I never underestimate you,” he whispered, and this time, there was no more restraint.

He pulled her closer, his hands skimming over her sides, finding the bare skin beneath her shirt as he kissed her again. Deeper, more certain. She melted into him immediately, her fingers pulling him closer as he traced the warmth of her back beneath his palms.

Evin gasped softly against his breath, a sound that almost drove him over the edge. Her hands found the collar of his shirt, tugging at it slightly, popping the first button loose.

His lips left hers, trailing down to her neck, leaving heated traces along her skin as her nails raked lightly over the back of his neck.

“Don’t stop,” she breathed, her voice a little rough, as her hands slipped under his shirt, fingertips skimming over the tense muscles of his back.

His teeth grazed the sensitive spot at her collarbone, and she drew in a sharp breath. He loved her reactions, loved how raw and unfiltered she was, how she gave herself to him without a second of hesitation.

“Tell me if you want me to stop,” he murmured, pushing a strand of her hair back, his eyes searching hers.

“Stop talking, Bas. I want you.” Her words were quiet but firm, and the conviction in hergaze nearly knocked the air from his lungs.

He smirked slightly, letting his lips find hers again as his hands trailed up her back, pulling the thin material of her top along with them. She let him, her fingers gripping his shoulders as if grounding herself.

“You drive me insane,” he murmured against her skin as he carefully laid her back onto the blanket.

She gave a small, knowing smile before pulling him back to her, their kisses turning more urgent.

He let her guide him—her hands, her touch—as they slowly stripped away the last barriers between them.

The night was warm, the soft glow of the fairy lights casting shadows on their skin, and for a little while, everything else faded away.

__________

He watched as Evin twisted the phoenix pendant between her fingers, her gaze lost deep in thought. The warm glow of the fairy lights cast a gentle light across her features, but he didn't feel the relief he'd expected. It was as if something was building up between them, something impossible to ignore any longer.

He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. “Evin…”

She looked up, eyes wide and questioning. “Hm?”

“I have to... We need to talk about the party. The event.” His voice was steady, but the tension beneath it was unmistakable.

Her fingers stopped moving, and she regarded him silently for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

Bas searched for the right words, yet everything he thought of felt insufficient. “I didn't reach out. Not really. And I owe you an explanation.”

She remained quiet, her eyes briefly dropping to the pendant in her hand before returning to him. “I've been wondering why.”

“It was my fault,” he began, feeling his voice crack slightly. “After the party… when you left… I took it as a sign that you didn't want me anymore. That I... was too much for you.”

---