He didn’t notice at first, not until her fingers slid over his, coaxing his hand away from where it rested. The gesture was soft, almost innocent, but the direction was unmistakable. She moved his hand deliberately, bringing it to rest on the warmth of her lap. He felt the sudden change, the shock of being placed somewhere he hadn’t dared to move on his own.
Before he could react, her other hand came down over his, pressing it gently but firmly into place. Her palm was warm, her grip steady, and there was no mistaking the intention now. She wasn’t simply guiding—she was claiming. His fingers twitched, unsure whether to retreat, but her hand tightened slightly, a silent command to stay exactly where she wanted him.
The look in her eyes sealed it. Calm, unhurried, yet carrying a weight of confidence that disarmed him completely. She didn’t speak, she didn’t need to. Every second his hand remained there under hers, every heartbeat that passed in that forbidden contact, drew him deeper into her control. And when she finally gave the faintest smile, he realized it was not his choice to stay—it was hers.