The thin fabric of our uniforms does nothing to hide the perfect shape of him against me or the heat of his friction as our bodies press together. Every point of contact sends sparks of fire magic through my skin—his essence burning into me, tasting of smoke and cinnamon and raw power.

The red-hot magic flowing from his body swirls in a delicious mixture that rushes beneath my skin and fills me in a way that has me moaning against his lips. "Oh, Gods," I gasp.

His lips are perfect and soft against mine, but the kiss is hard and his hands are so strong, gripping my thighs with a possession that makes me dizzy. His tongue teases mine as it slides into my mouth, swirling and claiming with a need that makes my entire body tremble.

I thread my fingers into his hair, pulling him closer, desperate to erase any space between us. He growls against my mouth, the sound vibrating through my chest and igniting a fire low in my belly. His hips rock against mine, and I can feel exactly how much he wants me as it presses hard between my legs.

"Nessa," he groans against my mouth, one hand sliding up to cup my face. His thumb strokes my cheek, surprisingly gentle for how tightly his other hand grips my hip. The contrast sends shivers down my spine.

I break the kiss, gasping for air, and his mouth immediately finds my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin beneath my ear before trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down to my collarbone. Every touch brands me, makes my skin prickle with heat.

"Raith," I manage, my voice a breathy moan as his hand slides under the hem of my shirt, fingers splaying across the bare skin of my back.

"I know," he says, voice rough with desire. "We need to stop."

But he doesn't stop. His mouth finds mine again, and I meet him with equal hunger, our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm. His hands slide lower, cupping my ass and pressing me harder against him as my legs tighten around his waist.

The friction is delicious torture, making heat spiral between my legs. I roll my hips, desperate for more, and he breaks the kiss with a hiss.

"Fuck, Nessa," he breathes, forehead pressed to mine. "If we don't stop now⁠—"

But I don't want to stop. I want to feel him everywhere. Want to drown in the fire of his magic and the heat of his body until everything else falls away.

He closes his eyes, jaw clenched tight as he battles for control. With obvious reluctance, he slowly lowers me to my feet, but keeps me caged between his body and the pillar.

"You have no idea what you do to me," he says, voice rough. "No fucking idea."

I look up at him, still breathing hard as a wicked smile plays at my lips. "I think I have some idea."