"Do you know how beautiful you are?" he murmured softly, too caught up in her beauty, in her presence, in the moment to pretend that she meant nothing to him - that this meant nothing to him.

She was silent in response, fear of the unknown, fear of the emotions rollicking through her body, and desire - she could not deny the desire coursing alongside as well --, all of it kept anything she may have said in reply unspoken. His smile faded as he leaned forward slightly, the heat from her body mingling with the waves flooding through him. Her eyes were wide with that mixture of fear and desire, but she could not tear her gaze from him and she could not deny the rapid, heady beating of her heart as he moved in closer.

His lips parted, and she felt his breath rushing over her. Her lids fluttered close just a moment before his mouth descended upon hers. And in the sensuous feel of his lips there was the same passion-drenched intimacy of their kiss moments before, but overwhelming her now was his sweetness, the softness and gentleness with which he captured her mouth.

He deepened the kiss, ensnaring his fingers into the wildness of her honey curls. And she was lost in him - unmindful of their purpose, of the deed they must do. She was aware of only him � the heat, the scent, the feel of him. When he suddenly pulled away, she was filled with a sense of desolation and her entire being cried out for the return of his lips.