Rough touch meme | @amicitiaeclipseÂ
23. Your muse roughly kisses mine.
   He isnât expecting it. Being in her company is generally a laid-back pastime. There aretimes when she teases him and ropes him into participating in some of her hobbies  â heâll never admit to letting her paint his nails, thereâs a reason he always wears gloves â and there are times when he takes her out on his bike to go hunting or just to let her take a breather, but none of them have ever given him a hint that thereâs possibly a chance for more.
   And so, heâs not prepared when her mouth presses against his. It takes him a moment to work past his shock, caught off guard not just by her forwardness but also her enthusiasm. This isnât the same as a kiss on a cheek as sheâs been known to give. This isnât even a chaste, shy kiss from a girl unfamiliar with the world of romance. No, Iris isnât being subtle or innocent about this. Sheâs not holding back.
   Bringing up a hand to settle on her waist, he canât help but forward to return her kiss. His other hand comes up to cup her cheek, guiding her as he coaxes control of the kiss from her. A light tug pulls her closer to him, and itâs a terrible temptation to explore the cavern of her mouth with his tongue, but he smothers the urge before it takes root.
   Rather, he knows he needs to stop this before things get carried away. Nipping at her bottom lip, itâs a silent warning to pull the reins on her sudden desire to claim possession of his mouth. Iris is a pretty young woman, that much is obvious. Yet, the lack of communication between them prior to her kissing him doesnât settle well with him.
   How old is she now? Seventeen? Eighteen? Twenty-one? Heâs not too sure, but he knows sheâs young. In fact, the age difference between him and her is larger than her and her brother. Someone could accuse him of cradle robbing, or of being a bad influence, or some other claim that would set him in a bad light. Sheâs not just some random girl in town either. Sheâs nobility, and that alone is thin ice to be walking on.
   Slowly drawing back after one last lingering kiss, he looks down at her with a slight frown stitched between his brows. His thumb strokes the soft curve of her cheekbone as he silently studies her. âSince when did you want to do that with me?â he asked her quietly. Their faces are still close; thereâs not need for him to raise his voice. âDo you realize what youâre asking for? Youâre pretty, Iris, and youâre smart. Iâm sure you didnât forget that we stand on two different social platforms. Even if itâs fine now and no one lynches me for touching you, once your prince comes back, weâre not going to be able to continue this.â
   Leaning in again, this time he lightly kisses her forehead. When he draws back, his hands slip away from her body and come down to his sides. âIâm not telling you âno,â but Iâm not telling you âyesâ either. Let me just say this: if this is just impulsiveness, I canât do that, but if youâre seriousâŠâ The consequences will be harder on him than her, and any harm or insult that may be intended for her will come out like a whip to strike him instead. âYou need to give me time to think about it.â
