Finnick laughed, a deep, amused sound that made my heart flutter. His laughter broke the tension, and I froze for a moment before realizing I had to stop smiling and get a grip. I tried to rise, but before I could, he grabbed my hand and pulled me against him.
I slumped onto his lap, startled, and before I could react, his hand lifted my chin, pressing his lips firmly against mine. This wasn't the gentle kiss from before. It was commanding, possessive, as if he was marking me, claiming me. His grip tightened, binding me to him with an instinct I couldn't resist.
Time seemed to stretch and blur. When he finally let me go, I sat there, cheeks flushed, caught in the warmth of his arms. He leaned close, whispering against my ear, "Vivian, thank you for believing in me… and for showing up in my dark, empty world."
