Bennett looked deeply into Claudia's eyes, his gaze so dark and bottomless that it seemed to pull her in. His Adam's apple moved subtly as he reached out, cradling the back of her head. "Alright," he murmured.

When his Lips touched hers, Claudia's hand lost its grip and her phone tumbled onto her lap. Instantly, his warm breath filled her senses.

This kiss from Bennett was worlds apart from any gentle peck. It was intense, electrifying.

ALL Claudia could do was tilt her head back, trying to absorb the force of the kiss and attune herself to his heartbeat.

With each of his movements, the soft bed seemed to embrace them more closely. Held tightly in his arms, Claudia felt as vulnerable as a fish ready for the knife.

As he kissed her deeper, her thoughts evaporated. She was consumed by the sensation of her breath, her very air, being stolen away.

The grip around her tightened, sparking a wave of inexplicable panic. Pushing back against his chest, she barely managed to say, “Ben, Bennett, I can't breathe..."

Her voice, a soft and melodic murmur, only seemed to excite Bennett further, stirring something primal within him.

Overcome, he nipped gently at her Lips, relishing her taste.

In the quiet room, their breathing intermingled in the tense atmosphere.

Drops of water from his still-damp hair trickled onto Claudia's face, keeping her on a razor's edge between clarity and surrender.

His hands found their way into her flowing locks, the warmth of his palm pressing insistently against her scalp.

Immersed in this overwhelming embrace, Claudia felt like she had been submerged in boiling water.

Breathing was a struggle; the heat, nearly insufferable.

Bennett, usually so composed, was also unraveling. His walls of self-control were crumbling.

Just as his hand daringly slipped under her clothes, Claudia trembled, as skittish as a rabbit sensing danger.

The corners of her eyes reddened, her emotions laid bare under the room's Light, a wet shimmer betraying her vulnerability.

She was frightened.

Feeling her tremble, Bennett's rationality gradually resurfaced. He ceased his actions, although the fervor hadn't quite left his gaze. "I won't do anything to you until you're ready," he assured her, his voice tinged with roughness as he gently touched her face.

Claudia bit her lower lip, her eyelashes fluttering. When she caught sight of the lust in his eyes, she hesitated before saying, "I-I'm sorry."

She wasn't prepared for this.

Unable to meet her eyes any longer, Bennett covered them with his hand and softly chuckled, “Don't apologize.”

Lowering her gaze to the white sheet below, Claudia said almost in a whisper, “I... I've never done this before. I'm scared."

The words cost her nearly all her courage.