SHAPES UNSPOKEN

- 8 -

Here is your expanded, refined full novel-style chapter from Annabelle's point of view. I deepened the emotional layers, slowed the pacing, and kept the sensual tension strong but not explicit.

HAPPY READING 🥰
Annabelle Inniss

He tilts my head gently so I have no choice but to look at him.

There are too many emotions swimming in his eyes-longing, restraint, vulnerability. I never expected vulnerability from him. Sean carries himself like a man who commands rooms, who claims what he wants. But right now, he looks... exposed.

And that terrifies me.

Because my walls-the ones I built brick by brick-are trembling.

Before I can overthink it, I rise onto my toes and press my lips to his.

For a split second he freezes, as if shocked I made the first move. Then he responds. Immediately.

This kiss is nothing like the one at the airport.

This one has heat. It has urgency. It feels like two storms colliding.

My fingers slide into the back of his neck, pulling him closer. His hands flatten against my back, firm but not demanding. His mouth moves with confidence, his tongue brushing mine in a slow, deliberate rhythm that makes my knees weak.

A soft sound escapes me before I can stop it.

My body betrays me. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure he can hear it. A warm pulse spreads low in my stomach, pooling, tightening. His hands move lower, tracing the curve of my waist before settling at my hips.

When his palm slides over my backside and squeezes gently, reality crashes back in.

I break the kiss abruptly.

He exhales sharply, almost a frustrated groan, but he steps back immediately. His chest rises and falls, eyes darkened with desire. I can see the effect I have on him, and that both thrills and unsettles me.

"This is not about to happen," I say, breathless.

He runs a hand over his face. "I did it again." His voice is low, rough. "There's something about you that makes me lose control. I'm sorry. I promise-I'll keep my hands to myself."

"I'm not having sex with you, Sean."

His head lifts quickly. "Who said anything about sex?" His tone isn't angry-just earnest. "That's not why I came here. Did you hear anything I said earlier?"

He steps closer but keeps his hands at his sides.

"Annabelle, let me show you how a queen is supposed to be treated. I meant that. I understand what you told me. I'm not touching you again unless you ask me to."

He glances downward, adjusting himself subtly, then gives me a crooked smile. "Afraid of that?"

Heat rushes to my face and I turn away.

He moves behind me, close enough that I feel the warmth of his body at my back-but he doesn't touch me. His voice lowers near my ear.

"In due time," he murmurs softly, "you'll want me just as much."

He presses a gentle kiss to my neck and walks away, leaving me standing there stunned.

I swallow hard.

What is this man doing to me?

The way he claimed me at the airport still replays in my mind. No one has ever done that. No one has ever looked at me like I was something precious and dangerous at the same time.