Karina's eyes widened in surprise, but she managed to remain calm and collected. Concealed from the eyes of others, she hid her free hand behind her back and made a fist. All of her real emotions were hidden there.
The lips touching her skin reminded her of the night they shared together. It was suffocating. That interaction had been already stretching for too long and Miss Ashford had to put an end to it. However, as she tried to pull her hand away, Dante only grabbed it tighter though he still removed his lips.
His serene and confident face remained, and his smile had not once faltered. It was only the young woman who looked flustered—the red tingle on her cheeks being a clear indication.
Finally, Dante released her hand from his grasp and Karina quickly covered it with her other hand. Her skin felt hot as if his touch burned it.
***