Between Restraint and Surrender

CASSIA

I gasped for air when he suddenly grabbed my waist and pulled me against him, the movement so fast and unexpected that I barely had time to react. My balance vanished, and the next thing I knew, I was on his lap, my hands braced against his chest, my heart slamming violently against my ribs.

“W-We can’t,” I stuttered, my voice shaking as my eyes flew to his. “You’re hurt.”

His lips curved i