Heat surged through me, rushing to my head as my body locked under Elliot's hold. My thoughts scattered, leaving only the burning imprint of his lips against mine, firm and deliberate, carrying a force that sent my pulse spiraling. It wasn't hesitant—it felt intentional, as if he needed to prove something without words.
He didn't pull away immediately. The kiss deepened, steady and insistent, stripping away my ability to think clearly. My mind went blank as I stood there, caught between resisting and surrendering, my instincts reacting in ways I couldn't control. The world around us faded, leaving only the overwhelming awareness of him.
When he finally released me, I felt unsteady, my breath uneven as he rested his forehead against mine. His voice dropped, rough and controlled, pressing straight into my chest. "Listen carefully, Anastasia. I don't despise you, so you don't get to despise yourself. I don't care about your past. I only care about whether you'll be in my future."
