"Because I'd be lying."
Fuck.
"This is a bad idea."
"Probably."
"You're human."
"Yes."
"You're half my age."
"And?"
"And—"
"That bothers you more than it bothers me."
"It should bother you."
"It doesn't. Next objection."
I lean in.
Her breath catches.
I kiss her. Slow, careful—not the woods, not desperate. My mouth against hers, gentle pressure, and I wait.
She responds.
Her hands find my hair. Fingers curling in. Pulling me closer—not frantic, not grasping. Steady. Certain. She's reaching for me. Something tears out of my throat—growl, groan, raw. Couldn't stop it if I tried.
Not the woods. Not a spike. Slower.
My hands on her waist. Her back. She's so small—my hands almost span her entire ribcage—and she leans into me and her breath warm on my mouth.
Want her marks on me.
Want—
Could take this further. My body screaming for it. Blood running hot, running loud—
I pull back.
Just an inch.
Forehead to hers. Both of us breathing too hard. Her hands still in my hair. My hands on her waist.
"Mel."
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Don't say no." Her breath against my mouth. "Please. Not tonight."
My hands tighten on her waist.
