Serix was sure he had just made the biggest mistake of his life. Cassie would surely hate him now. His actions were completely uncalled for, and he put them both in an awkward position. He just ruined everything with his lack of self-control. She would probably want him to leave, to find someplace else to hide or to return to his own people.

Serix was so prepared for her anger, that he didn’t expect her to do what she did next. He froze when Cassie reached to take his face in her hands and lifted her lips to meet his. His mind reeled. She wasn’t mad? And… she was reciprocating his feelings? He couldn’t have hoped for a better response.

After the initial shock of her kiss faded, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around her again, pulling her closer. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he kissed her back. Nothing else mattered anymore. There were no Scouts searching to kill them, no coming Lunairan invasion. In that moment, he and Cassie were the only two people that existed in the universe. He ran a hand through her soft hair, holding her lips against his, not wanting them to ever part again.

He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that. One minute? Ten? Time blurred into something unrecognizable. After a bit, Serix pulled away, catching his breath. His arm lingered around Cassie’s waist, holding her close to him. He didn’t want to let go just yet. With his other hand, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. He stared into her deep blue eyes for a moment, feeling her heart pound against his, then he kissed her once more on the forehead and laughed, “You have no idea how long I wanted to do that.”