Preserve. Protect. Defend.

"You're very beautiful, Kamala," I said before I could stop myself.

Immediately, my heart plummeted to my stomach. What was I thinking? She stopped swaying, and for a moment, everything went still. The pause felt like it lasted forever-each second stretching out until it felt like I might just melt into the floor.

Just as I tried to pull away, she tightened her grip, pulling me even closer. She tilted her head up, and as I expected, her piercing golden eyes locked onto mine, staring deep into my soul.

Our faces were so close now, I could feel the warmth of her breath brushing against my lips.

"Your beauty hypnotizes me," she whispered, her voice rich with desire.

Her gaze slid slowly to my lips, and in that instant, I understood the silent language her eyes spoke. They were calling my name like a sweet temptation. Each breath I took felt heavier, my heart racing in a way I couldn't control. In that moment, I felt like I was falling, caught between wanting to resist and needing to give in.

Before I knew it, our lips were millimeters apart.