Page 105 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Carol felt her cheeks warm. "That's quite the compliment."

"I'm not trying to flatter you," Caspian said. "I'm being honest."

"Oh," Carol managed. "Well. Thank you."

His hand lingered near her face, and Carol realized how close they were standing. How warm his presence felt. How her heart was racing.

"Caroline," Caspian said, his voice low.

"Yes?"

"May I kiss you?"

Carol's heart nearly stopped, then started beating double-time.

"Yes," she breathed.

Caspian's hand cupped her cheek properly now, tilting her face up as he leaned down. Carol rose slightly on her toes, meeting him halfway.

Their lips met softly, tentatively at first. A gentle press, warm and careful.

Then Caspian's other hand found her waist, pulling her slightly closer, and Carol's hands came up to rest against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat under her palms—racing as fast as hers.

The kiss deepened slightly, still gentle but with growing confidence. Carol felt warmth spread through her entire body, her fingers curling into the fabric of his coat.

When they finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless, Carol looked up at Caspian.

His green eyes were dark in the moonlight, his expression softer than she'd ever seen it.

"That was..." Carol started.

"Yes," Caspian agreed.

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other.

Then a sharp bark split the quiet night.

Both of them jumped slightly, turning to see Shadow barking enthusiastically at what appeared to be absolutely nothing in the middle of the garden path. Mochi sat nearby, watching the puppy with the patient expression of someone used to dealing with nonsense.

Carol started laughing. "Shadow, what are you barking at?"

The puppy barked again, then pounced on his own tail.

"He's ridiculous," Caspian observed.

"He's perfect," Carol corrected, still smiling.

When she looked back at Caspian, he was watching her with that warm expression again.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing," Caspian said. "Just... come here."

He drew her gently into his arms again, and this time the kiss was deeper, more certain. His mouth moved over hers with quiet assurance, warm and unhurried, coaxing her lips apart until their tongues brushed in a slow, tender glide. Caroline melted against him, fingers sliding up to tangle in his silver hair as it spilled loose from its tie, the cool strands slipping like silk through her hands.

Caspian’s hand cradled the back of her head while the other rested at the curve of her waist, holding her close. The kiss lingered—soft presses giving way to longer, sweeter tastes, each one drawing a quiet sigh from her and a low hum from him. Moonlight and lantern-light wrapped them in a warm glow, the garden hushed around them, as if the night itself were holding its breath.

Shadow barked again in the background, but neither of them paid attention this time.