Lost on Titan

{Part 18}

~Videl~

Kane's silver eyes were so intense that V worried that he had X-ray vision that would allow him to see right through her and turn her bones into jelly. The sip of wine was bittersweet, but she was faintly aware of the warmth it bloomed inside her, like a cozy embrace.

"You shouldn't worry about that," Videl tried to assure him with a shake of her head.

"But I do," Kane protested quietly. "I like . . . I like having you around."

Videl's heart skipped a beat. Had he almost said that he liked her? Whether he was about to say that or not, Videl knew that she liked him. The dark 5 o'clock shadow made his eyes stand out even more than usual, and in the dress shirt and slacks, he looked strikingly handsome. Seeing him in a button-down made her want to undo some of those buttons and reveal his muscular chest. Videl started to break out into a sweat. She fanned herself briefly with her hand, before snatching his glass off the table. She  needed to relax now. She handed it back to him, instead of returning it to the table and he raised an eyebrow at her but took it. Videl licked her lips, and Kane's gaze dropped to her mouth, darkening into a deeper shade.

"Do you like me?" Videl dared to ask. A trill of anxiety almost made her shiver.

Kane flinched, then rubbed the stubble on his jaw again. 

"Of course I like you. Who wouldn't?" 

It was jokey and dismissive, denying the true intention behind her question. Videl fought the anxiety that told her not to push further, to risk rejection.

"No, I mean . . . " Videl reiterated, inching closer to him, her cheeks burning. "Do you like  me?" Her voice was small and meek.

Kane's breath hitched, his eyes searching hers. He didn't say a word for a moment, looking conflicted, and Videl felt like she could crumble from the embarrassment. He didn't want to hurt her feelings. I'm such an idiot, why did I -

"Fuck it," she heard him curse under his breath suddenly. 

He put the wine glass back on the table. And then his hands were cradling her face as he leaned in and kissed her. His lips were warm and soft, and they tasted like wine. Videl melted into the kiss, her heart pounding. She slid her hands up his chest, over his shoulders, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt the tip of his tongue tentatively brush against her bottom lip, and she parted her lips eagerly in response, allowing his tongue to stroke hers, deepening the kiss. His stubble rubbing against her soft cheeks felt like a wicked, masculine delight. He nipped gently on her bottom lip, making her gasp softly and she moaned against his lips.

Kane growled as he pulled away, burying his hands in his hair like he always seemed to do when he was frustrated. He let out a long, ragged exhale. Videl touched her lips with her fingertips, her body buzzing with electricity. Kane rolled his shoulders and composed himself.

"Does that answer your question?" Kane asked, his gaze blazing with what could only be desire. 

"I think so," Videl squeaked, her eyes wide. She was nervous and the wine was going to her head a little bit, but she liked the feeling that was settling into her - a warmth that bolstered her confidence. When she went to reach for the glass again, Kane's hand shot out to cover the top of it, stopping her. Videl made a small sound of protest and pouted, but he quickly downed the rest of the contents until it was empty.