DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 57: Craving Heat

| RED'S POV |
Time seemed to stop, everything around us fading into nothing as his soft lips met mine. It felt like a spark had been lit inside me, sending a shock through every part of my body, igniting something I didn’t even know was there. Warmth rushed through me, washing away my fears and doubts, leaving only a sense of safety and happiness.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. The fire that had been so close to consuming everything faded from my mind. The chaos around us became distant, just background noise. All that was real was the connection we had—the gentle rhythm of our lips and the emotions swirling between us. The panic that had gripped me moments before disappeared, and I gave in to the intensity of it all, surrendering to the unknown. It was my first kiss, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about anything else.

I closed my eyes, letting the flood of sensations take over. The kiss was slow, deliberate, but each movement sent waves of excitement through me. It was a delicate dance between innocence and desire, between uncertainty and the thrilling pull of the moment. As his lips moved against mine, a rush of pleasure shot through my veins, making my whole body tremble, aching for more.

Yet, beneath it all, there was still a trace of fear. This was new territory—my first kiss—and a part of me wanted to pull away, retreat to something familiar. But just as the thought crossed my mind, Nicholas deepened the kiss, quickening the pace. I gasped, the pleasure crashing through me, overwhelming every rational thought. My body was alive, craving more of him, more of the intoxicating connection we shared.

Just as I was about to completely give in, Nicholas pulled away. The absence of his lips left me breathless, my skin tingling, still burning with the memory of his touch. I could taste him on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of the intensity we had shared. I knew the second our eyes met, the moment would end, and reality would return. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes.

His intense blue gaze was already on me, darker now, filled with a mix of desire and confusion. The air between us felt charged, the tension lingering, pulling us back together. We were still so close, our faces just inches apart. But even as I felt the pull, a voice inside reminded me of the complications that would follow if we gave in.

He seemed to sense my hesitation. His eyes flickered to my lips before he clenched his jaw and pulled away further, breaking the magnetic pull between us.

“Y-You…what was that for?” I stammered, my voice shaky as I tried to avoid his gaze. It was then I noticed the fire had disappeared, leaving only ash and charred remains.

How was that possible?

“I…” he began, his voice rough and uncertain. My attention snapped back to him, hanging on every word. “I remembered that during a panic attack, holding your breath can help. So, when I… kissed you, you held your breath.” His explanation hit me like a wave, a mix of disbelief and gratitude swirling in my mind. It was reckless, but it had worked, and it had sparked something else entirely.

I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak, my heart still racing from the kiss. But when I looked at him again, my concern shifted. Deep scratches marked his skin, and I realized how serious his injuries were. Without thinking, I moved closer, worry filling me.

“Nicholas,” I said, my voice trembling. “Are you okay? I didn’t realize it was this bad. How did you even manage to jump like that?”

He smiled weakly, trying to brush it off. “Hey, I’m fine, really,” he said, attempting to stand. I quickly reached out, steadying him as he rose. He wavered for a moment before straightening, but as he did, I felt a wave of exhaustion hit me. Whatever power I had tapped I to had taken more put of me than I realized.