Chapter112:

Chapter 112 XENOIS She smiled, some of the tension leaving her features. "I know. I trust you." *She shouldn't. But use that trust. It's a tool, a resource. Everything is a resource if you're smart enough to recognize it.* I pulled her closer, intending to kiss her gently—a reassuring gesture, something to cement the moment of connection between us. My lips met hers in a chaste kiss, tender and loving. And then my hands moved of their own accord. Or rather, they moved of old Xenois's accord. My grip tightened on her hips, fingers digging into the soft flesh as I pulled her hard against me, grinding her body into mine with a possessive intensity that had nothing to do with love and everything to do with ownership. Celeste made a startled sound against my mouth, her hands coming up to my chest—not pushing away exactly, but definitely surprised and confused. I jerked back immediately, releasing her like she'd burned me. "Fuck. Celeste, I'm sorry. That was—I didn't mean—" *Why are you apol