Then, with exquisite precision, he began doing just that—touch by touch, kiss by kiss, as Aria’s name fell from his lips like a vow.

“You’re exquisite!”
He pulled back just enough to unfasten his shirt, the fabric falling away as he watched her eyes follow every movement.
Climbing onto the bed, he knelt over her, lips hovering just out of reach. “So I will adore you… until you forget the world exists.”

+

His eyes met hers—unblinking, relentless. He pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh before continuing upward, unhurried.

"And now that I have you, Aria... I don’t plan to give you back."

His mouth traced paths up her body, leaving sparks behind that lit her nerves like kindling.

Christian’s tie was the first to come loose, his fingers pulling it free with practiced ease.
“I don’t take lightly to temptation.”
He moved slowly, climbing onto the bed. His hands found her ankles, guiding her legs apart —running up her calves. His lips ghosted over her knee—their eyes are locked.

Christian reached out —tucking a strand of hair behind her ear —brushing his lips against hers—softly.
One hand settled at her waist, the other rising to cup her cheek. He guided her backward with a gentle pull until her legs met the edge of the sleek, king-sized bed draped in charcoal gray linens.

Christian's grip on her hips tightened, savoring her closeness. The kiss pulled a low growl from his chest, deep and hungry. Their lips parted for breath — his voice was a rasp
“You’ll have every inch of me, Aria. And I’ll take every inch of you in return.
No holding back.”
His eyes burned into hers

“Then don’t be.”
Leading her out of the elevator and into the open space of the penthouse. Without a word, he slipped her coat from her shoulders, letting it fall onto the nearby armchair.
“Aria. No more pretending.”
His hands found her waist, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.

“I want you.”

"You’ve given me your trust, Aria. I won’t waste it."
The elevator climbed toward Escala.
"I won't let Kairos slip away, Aria.
This moment... this chance— I'm not letting it pass."

His hand tightened slightly around hers, grounding her, anchoring them both to what was unfolding.

Christian curled his fingers around hers, firm and sure, grounding her with his touch.
"You should be —but not because you’re unsafe— because what’s ahead will change everything."

The private elevator awaited. As they stepped in, the doors slid shut, sealing them in with the low hum of motion.

+

Then, with a hand extended, palm up—offering, inviting, commanding—he waited.

“I intend to.”
The car pulled into the underground garage of Escala. The moment the engine stilled, he turned fully toward her.
“There’s no turning back. I’ll give you honesty, control… pleasure beyond what you’ve known.”
He opened the door and stepped out, walking around to her side.
+

Christian’s gaze lingered on Aria, his mind already calculating the rhythm of the night.
“We’re going to Escala.
You’ve intrigued me, Aria—and if you choose to step inside, I will enlighten you.”
The car’s quiet hum underscored the tension between them as Seattle’s skyline came into view.