( her breath hitched, a delicate gasp slipping past her lips as pain bloomed at the point of contact. her lips trembled, her lashes dampening as unshed tears welled in her eyes. it hurt—sharp, searing, unfamiliar. yet, she did not pull away. if anything, she clung to him tighter, her fingers weakly grasping at his clothing as if anchoring herself. a fragile whimper threatened to escape, but she swallowed it down, her body wavering between lightheadedness and resolve. it wasn’t that much, she told herself, even as she felt her strength slip just a little. )