~ALEXANDRO’S POV~

I knew exactly what I was doing.

The moment my lips touched hers, the room ceased to exist.

It was reckless. A dangerous move. But I didn’t care.

Lauren stiffened for a second, caught off guard, but then I felt it—that slight, almost imperceptible hesitation before she melted into the kiss.

That was all I needed.

My hand pressed against the small of her back, pulling her closer. Her scent filled my senses, a perfect mix of something soft and intoxicating. I could feel the irregular beat of her heart beneath my fingertips, betraying her.

She could lie all she wanted. She could pretend to hate me.

But...