Only by sensing his presence could her heart ease slightly.

Vincent, deeply touched by Katelyn's fears, drew her closer. His arms tightened around her, his warmth seeping into her bones.

He rested his chin gently on Katelyn's head, his breath stirring her hair as he murmured, "Calm down. We're safe now. Aren't we? Everything is going to be okay."

Logically, she knew he was right. But the horror of the split-second gamble still clawed at her nerves.

Tilting her face upward, Katelyn met his gaze and curved her lips into a playful request. "Kiss me," she said.

Katelyn's request was unexpected. It sent a ripple through Vincent. His stern demeanor softened, completely awestruck by Katelyn's request, which he couldn't resist.

He bent his head, brushing his lips against hers softly. The locking of their lips sent warm sensations down their spines.

What began as a gentle kiss deepened into something intensely passionate. Passion engulfed Vincent, making him desire Katelyn even more. He held onto her lips again and kissed her tender lips with even greater intensity.

Consumed by his affectionate kiss, Katelyn's knees buckled, and her grip on Vincent tightened.

Being drifted away by their busy schedules had made them starve for affection. Such intimacy had become increasingly rare, and now their gentle touch seemed to have reignited the spark they both shared, causing both Vincent and Katelyn to give in to their feelings.

"Vincent," she breathed between breaths, her fingers tangling in his hair. "I need you."

She had always been bold in expressing herself in this regard. The boldness he adored shimmered in her words, unraveling his restraint. Vincent's hand was already gently stroking Katelyn's back, and his tender touch sent a jolt of excitement that made Katelyn's body tremble slightly.

Standing on tiptoe, she whispered into his ear, "Vincent, be with me tonight."

Her body went defenseless and submissive toward Vincent.

Desire smoldered in his eyes, a heat that threatened to consume them both.

She had always known Vincent was the man to satisfy her needs. It was one of the reasons why he became so attractive to her.

Vincent held Katelyn's waist firmly, leaned close to her ear, and said softly, "Patience. Tonight, I'll give you everything you need."

Those few words lingered in her mind, igniting an explosion of passionate heat. An intense rush of pleasure filled Katelyn's heart, and her face flushed even more.

Katelyn softly tapped Vincent's chest with her fist. "You…"

Before she could finish, Vincent caught her fist, his fingers brushing gently over her skin with a soft, intimate touch. He whispered, "Shhh." Then, he swept her up into his arms.

Katelyn's heart raced as she realized what he intended to do. Her face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and longing. "No, I haven't showered yet. Let me wash up first." Her voice trailed off, barely audible to Vincent.

.