Chapter 9

Dante came closer, the distance between us closing until I could feel the warmth of his body against mine. The solid, reassuring presence of his muscular frame pressed me gently against the wall. “I’m sorry, princess. How can I make it up to you?” His breath, sweet and inviting, brushed softly against my face, creating a tantalizing sensation that lingered in the air. My stomach fluttered with butterflies. I longed for the warmth of his touch, and my mind wandered to the sensation of his full lips against mine, contemplating how sweet his kisses might taste. I felt the urge to scream, "kiss me," but I kept my composure. "Just don't do it again," I replied playfully, masking the desire that lingered beneath my words. He placed his hand on the wall beside my head and leaned closer. I could feel my heart racing, and the anticipation hung in the air. "Or what?" His lips were tantalizingly close, only inches from touching mine. As I started to lean in, a sudden surge of guilt washed over me