The city itself might have been still, but Isla's heart pounded against her ribs. Tristan's words rang in her head—I would gladly burn the world to ashes to protect you.
He was a man of duty, of honor. And yet, here he stood, shattering all the rules he lived by simply to be near her.
For her.
The weight of that reality hung between them, heavy and unshakeable.
She reached out and took his hand, interlacing her fingers with his. "Then let's not let the world know," she breathed, tipping her face up to him. "Let's be careful."
Tristan let out a slow breath, as if fighting a battle within himself. His thumb drew slow, lazy circles on her palm. "Careful," he said. "You ask the impossible, princess."
She smiled. "And yet, you keep returning."
His dark eyes met hers, heat simmering just below the surface. "Because I don't know how to stay away."
The tension between them was heavy once more, charged with something neither dared to say. Tristan's hand came to her waist, drawing her close until there was almost no space left between them.
"This is madness," he whispered, his lips brushing against hers.
Isla smiled. "Then let's go mad together."
Tristan sighed softly, as if she had just undone whatever restraint he still possessed. His lips devoured hers in a kiss that took her breath away. It was not like their first—less tentative, more all-consuming.
His fingers stroked her back, leaving slow, dizzying curves. She leaned into him, enjoying the heat of his body, the solidity in the manner in which he held her.
Her hands knotted in his hair, and a low rumble came from his chest—a rumble that made her spine tingle.
They were stupid.
They were crazy.
And neither of them cared.
When they finally stood away from each other, their gasps were harsh, their bodies still flush against each other. Tristan's forehead lay on hers, his hand tightening around her waist as if releasing her would rip something essential from him.
"I should take you back," he whispered, though he didn't move to go.
Isla drew her fingers along the edge of his jaw, smiling. "One more moment."
He smiled low in his throat, his fingers tracing up her arm. "Just one?"
She exhaled. "Fine. Maybe two."
His mouth touched hers once more, teasing. "Princess, at this rate, I'll never release you."
She leaned forward, placing a lingering kiss on his jaw. "Then don't."
Tristan stilled. For a heartbeat, he simply looked at her, his expression unreadable. Then, with a resigned sigh, he tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "You are trouble," he whispered, but his voice was full of affection.
She grinned. "And yet, here you are."
He laughed softly before stepping back. The loss of his warmth sent a pang through her chest.
"I'll see you again?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
Tristan's eyes clouded. "Try and stop me.