I nod, not trusting myself to speak.
And not wanting to put it off any longer, I reach for him, pulling him toward me until our lips meet.
It’s soft at first. Hesitant, as if we’re still not sure this is actually happening. But then his mouth opens, his tongue brushing gently over my bottom lip.
I let loose a breath and touch my tongue to his. He groans, and within seconds, the kiss turns desperate.
And god, it feels incredible.
Even better because he’s a stranger.
Because for once, I have nothing to lose. Nothing to prove.
So I let go of everything — of Alex, of the hurt — and allow myself to get lost in the kiss. In him. Benedict can’t hurt me. I don’t love him. There’s no baggage, no history between us to weigh me down. I can just be, without fear or doubt.