Illyana's POV
The kiss seemed to stretch on for an eternity, Alessandro's lips moving against mine with a passion that left me breathless. His hands, strong and possessive, held me securely against him, chasing away the fear that had been my constant companion since Luke's threat. In that moment, lost in Alessandro's embrace, I felt safe, protected, cherished.
But as we finally broke apart, reality came crashing back. The moonlit balcony, the sprawling city below, the ancient villa that now served as my refuge - it all felt like a dream, a fantasy that could shatter at any moment. Alessandro's gaze, intense and searching, held mine, a silent question lingering in the depths of his blue eyes.
"Illyana," he murmured, his voice rough with desire, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheek. "I
