Faith
The cool night air brushed against my skin, but the heat radiating off Nicholas burned away every trace of the evening breeze.
His hand lingered against my jaw, his thumb softly tracing my cheekbone. His dark eyes searched mine in the dim starlight, completely stripped of his usual guarded reserve.
"Faith..." Nicholas rasped out, his deep voice thick with an earnest, reverent gravity. "May I kiss you?"
A soft, breathless gasp escaped my lips. Asking for permission—giving me the power to step back or pull him close—was such a stark, beautiful contrast to his usual commanding nature that it sent a shiver straight down my spine.
"Yes, Nicholas," I whispered softly. "You may."
He didn't rush. He leaned down slowly, giving me every second to change my mind, until his lips gently met
