章 55: When Passion Meets Pain.

Evelina's breath hitched as Leone's lips claimed hers, soft and commanding all at once. Her fingers instinctively found their way to the back of his neck, tangling in his hair as if anchoring herself to the moment. Her heart pounded against her chest, each beat echoing the disbelief coursing through her.

'I'm kissing Leone...'The thought surged through her mind, equal parts wonder and exhilaration. Their mouths moved in a languid rhythm, unhurried yet electric, as if time itself had slowed to accommodate their stolen moment.

When her tongue grazed his lip, a quiet invitation, he parted his mouth, deepening their connection. Evelina's quiet moan slipped between them as their tongues met—a sensual dance that sent sparks cascading through her. A faint minty taste lingered, but her senses were overwhelmed by something far more intoxicating: him.