Oh, Aldrich. When you speak to me in that soft voice, when you look at me with those pleading yet seductive eyes, how can I resist? My heart fluttered, and my body heated under his gaze.

I shook my head playfully, even though every part of me wanted him to kiss me right then. His eyes darkened, half-lidded like he was drunk on desire. I loved that look. It was a mix of passion and tenderness—both lust and love burning at once. It melted me. It made me burn—burn with desire.

He looked away for a second, and it hurt. I wanted to stay locked in his gaze. I wanted...