Page 2 of Velvet Vaughn

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Kayne replied, but the smirk stayed put.

The reception flowed behind them, warm and alive with movement, conversation, and music. His parents were quickly absorbed into the mix and they settled in as if they’d always been part of this world. Leo grabbed a drink more out of habit than intention, but he’d barely gotten a sip down before Anja appeared at his elbow.

“You’re staring again.” Her tone was calm, and there was a warmth underneath it.

He angled toward her without rushing. “You’re not stopping me.”

“I’m considering it.”

“Don’t.”

Her gaze dipped briefly to his mouth, then climbed back up. “You’re leaving tomorrow.”

He almost smiled. “I’m aware.”

“That doesn’t change anything.”

“No,” he answered, holding her eyes. “But it could.”

That flicker of consideration crossed her expression again. It was brief, but he caught it anyway.

“Come with me,” he added, because subtlety had never been his strong suit.

She didn’t react the way most people would, with surprise or quick dismissal. Just that level assessment he’d come to expect from her.

“You don’t make minor suggestions, do you?”

“Never have.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then I’ll respect it and pretend I’m not disappointed.”

That earned him the briefest twitch of her lips. “Liar.” A moment passed. Then, “My place.”

He didn’t hesitate.

#

Anja’s apartment was exactly what he’d pictured. It was clean and orderly, with nothing out of place. It suited her.

The door closed behind them, and the air changed instantly. For a second, they only stared at each other. Then she stepped into him without wavering or second-guessing her decision.

His hands closed around her waist, bringing her against him as her fingers slid into his hair. She kissed him without hesitation, with all the certainty and conviction she brought to everything that mattered.

Whatever had been building between them finally broke loose.

She met him step for step. He moved with her, backing her up without breaking contact until the wall stopped her.

Nothing about Anja was careless.

He felt it in how she kissed him, held him, and in the measured discipline that never fully left her, even in a moment like this.

He broke the kiss, his voice coming out rougher than he intended. “You sure?”

Her darkened eyes were locked on his. “I don’t do anything I’m not sure about.”

Good enough for him.