Chapter 20: Unspoken Desires
Kazuki's mind was spinning, his lips still tingling from the kiss he shared with Elara. Her scent lingered in the air, her warmth pressed against him as they stood in the moonlit courtyard, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.
"Kazuki..." Elara whispered, her fingers trailing down his chest, her eyes dark and vulnerable. "Do you... do you really want me?"
Kazuki swallowed, his hands still resting on her waist. "Yes."
The single word hung between them, heavy with meaning. Elara's cheeks flushed as she leaned into him, her forehead resting against his shoulder. "Then show me."
Kazuki's breath caught as Elara's hands slid up his chest, her fingers curling around the back of his neck. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice thick with desire.
Elara nodded, her eyes shining. "I'm tired of holding back."
Kazuki's lips found hers again, this time more urgent, more desperate. Elara's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer, her body molding against his as their kisses deepened. Kazuki's hands roamed up her back, feeling the curve of her spine beneath his fingertips.
Elara gasped softly, her nails grazing his scalp as his lips moved to her neck, leaving a trail of heated kisses down her throat. "Kazuki..."
But before things could go further, a loud crash echoed from the training grounds, followed by Tara's unmistakable laugh. "Oops," she called out, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "Did I interrupt something?"
Elara pulled back, her expression hardening as she turned to glare at Tara. "What do you want?"
Tara leaned against the courtyard gate, a wicked grin playing on her lips. "Just checking to see what my little Kazuki is up to."
Kazuki felt his pulse quicken as Tara sauntered toward them, her hips swaying seductively. "Looks like you two were having some fun without me. That's not fair, is it, Kazuki?"
Elara stepped forward, placing herself between Kazuki and Tara. "You're not welcome here."
Tara's grin widened as she leaned forward, her face inches from Elara's. "Oh, is that so?" Her eyes darted to Kazuki, her tongue flicking over her lips. "You didn't seem to mind when I was all over you earlier, Kazuki."
Kazuki's cheeks flushed as Tara reached out, her fingers grazing his jaw. "What do you say, Kazuki? Want to finish what we started?"
Elara slapped Tara's hand away, her eyes blazing. "Back off."
Tara's expression darkened, her grin fading as she straightened, her eyes narrowing. "Careful, Elara. You're not the only one who can make him feel good."
Elara's fists clenched, her jaw set. "You're playing with fire, Tara."
Tara leaned in, her lips brushing against Kazuki's ear as she whispered, "And maybe he wants to get burned."
Before Kazuki could react, Tara pulled away, her eyes glinting with wicked delight as she turned and walked away, her laughter echoing through the night.
Elara watched her go, her body tense, her breathing ragged. Kazuki reached out, his hand resting on her shoulder. "Elara..."
Elara exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging as she leaned back into Kazuki's embrace. "Stay with me tonight."
Kazuki's eyes widened, his heart pounding. "Are you sure?"
Elara turned to face him, her eyes soft and full of longing. "Yes. Stay with me."