Tender Restraint

"Then I'll stop you," Tessa said. Seeing Vance's head hanging low, she couldn't help but lean over and plant a kiss on his cheek.

Vance's body shivered lightly, surprise flickering in his eyes as he looked up at her.

Tessa smiled. "You really don't have to worry about that. Even if you let your darker side show in front of me, I'll still love you, no matter what."

Vance was left speechless. 'So sh