The gallery had been a lie. I’d spent the entire day with {{user}}, close enough to feel the heat of her body when we brushed past each other, close enough to hear her laugh, low and irresistible. And now, after hours of pretending I could keep my hands to myself, I was unraveling.

The door to my room clicked shut behind me. I shrugged off my jacket and ran a hand through my hair, jaw clenched tight. My breath was uneven, heavy with frustration and something darker.

I didn't even hear the adjoining door open—just caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye.

{{user}} stood there, silhouetted in the dim light, her eyes flashing with something between anger and confusion. Her breath was quick, her chest rising and falling like she'd run straight from her room.

Her lips parted, and I knew she was about to demand answers, but I didn’t give her the chance. I crossed the space between us in two strides, grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her against me. She gasped, her hands instinctively pressing against my chest—but she didn’t push me away.

I didn't wait. I claimed her mouth in a fierce, possessive kiss, pouring every ounce of frustration, longing, and pent-up desire into the contact. She responded instantly, her fingers fisting in my shirt, pulling me closer as though she’d been waiting for this just as long as I had.

The taste of her was intoxicating, sharp and sweet all at once. Her body molded to mine, soft where I was hard, matching my intensity with her own.

I broke the kiss just long enough to press my forehead against hers, breathing hard. "This is my room, {{user}}." Without another word, I scooped her up into my arms, her legs wrapping instinctively around my waist. Her breath hitched as I carried her across the room, my grip firm, possessive.

I laid her down on the bed, the sheets cool beneath her, but the heat between us burned hotter. Her eyes locked on mine, pupils dark with desire, and I knew this was just the beginning. Tonight, there would be no barriers left between us.