53

***ADELINE’S POV***

The gentle hum of the air conditioner and our breath was the only sound in the room. We stood close, too close. I could feel his eyes on me, burning with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Adeline," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Before I could respond, his lips were on mine. The kiss was sudden, taking my breath away. I pushed him away slightly, my hands on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palms.

"Xander, we shouldn't," I started to say, but he pulled me back, his lips capturing mine once more, this time deeper and more fervent.

I didn't fight back. Instead, I surrendered, letting him take my lips. My hands moved from his chest to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer.

Our bodies pressed together as if we were holding on for dear life, as if the world around us could crumble at any moment and we would still be here, lost in this kiss.

When we finally broke apart, both of us gasping for air, he looked into my eyes, his gaze