DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 72

| RED'S POV|

His lips were firm yet soft, just like last time.

As our mouths met, I could feel a surge of anticipation mixed with nervousness coursing through my veins. He seemed startled by my sudden bravery but quickly relaxed as his hand found the back of my neck, pulling me closer. His other hand slid to my waist, holding me as if afraid I would escape or leave him if he didn't.

I allowed him to lead the way, my lack of experience evident. He was my first kiss, and I wanted to savor every moment. Parting my lips slightly, I granted him entrance, feeling the gentle touch of his tongue against mine. My heart raced, and I found myself clutching his hair, overwhelmed by the intoxicating sensations that seemed to seep into my very bones. His lips knew how to make me feel alive and yet numb at the same time.

For a brief moment, he became rough, but then he slowed down, recognizing the need for restraint. I pulled back, attempting to collect my scattered thoughts and regain some semblance of sanity. "Woah," I breathed out, my forehead resting against his. A soft chuckle escaped him, filling the air with warmth.

"So, you see," I said, lifting my forehead from his and gazing into his eyes, which I had come to love. "Nicholas, I don't regret this. I would be a brat if I did. And, if you didn't forget," I took his pinky finger and entwined it with mine, "you promised that nothing would happen to Mr. Cutie Pie and Little Red," I teased,

"You remember," he said, his eyes widening.

"Of course," I replied, a smile playing on my lips.

"I just can't believe this is real," he murmured, resting his head on my shoulder. It felt nice, really nice.

"Dude, I just kissed you. That's real enough. Or do you want me to kiss you again?" I joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Yes," he immediately replied, surprising me.

"I love this side of you," I laughed, my fingers gently running through his soft hair, savoring the sensation of its silkiness against my skin.

"Really?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Yes," I replied, my laughter still lingering in the air. "You sound as though you're in love with me." I expected a playful response, a witty remark or a teasing comment, but instead, there was silence.

"What if I was?" His words hung in the air, and my heart skipped a beat. Was I hearing it correctly?

I swallowed hard, unsure if I was afraid to hear him say those words or afraid of my own response. "What if I was, Red? Would that be a problem?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

"I... I don't... know," I stammered. "I mean, we haven't really connected that much, and the little we did doesn't necessarily bring about such intense feelings," I explained, trying to convince myself that it wasn't a possibility.

"I understand," he said, his eyes filled with a touch of sadness. "It must be overwhelming for you to hear all of this at once. I won't say it until you feel sure about this. I can wait."

"Are you sure?" I asked, my hand gently caressing his cheek.

"Yes, I am. But if I say it suddenly, don't hate me," he replied, his voice filled with vulnerability.

I chuckled, trying to ease the tension. "I don't think I would. But sure, Nicholas, I'm not going anywhere. So, if you feel the need to say it, you can. After all, I just learned something new from your Beta."

"What's that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It seems my name means 'Luna' in wolf language. He kept calling me that. So, what is it?" I asked, placing my hands back around his neck, waiting for his reply. Suddenly, he held back a laugh, and its sound filled the room.