[51] SLOW INTIMACY

"I'm serious, Lara...

" I planned on using my pepper spray on him". I replied simply "At least I'm not pathetic right?".

"Nah". Came his response. "You're the strong-headed girl I've ever met.

" I'm relieved to hear that". I smiled and turned him to look at me. I touched his face slightly with my fingers. "I'm sorry I made you worry". I said and watched as his face lightened.

I got caught looking briefly at his lips, my lip not closed, it was softly parted — not so much that I could breathe comfortably through the opening, but enough that I could bite my bottom lip easily.

Steven takes my hand and slowly lifts it to his mouth. He Gently presses his lips into the back of my hand for 2 seconds before breaking away.

"Lara, You are SO beautiful". He Says it intimately. The volume and tone of his voice lowered slightly as our eyes locked.