INVISIBLE STRING ? SHUBMAN GILL ?

chapter 13 / too long* [ 18 + ]

Shubman entered Verena's flat with his usual casual charm, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch. "I missed you," he said, his voice low and sincere as he walked toward her.

Verena was standing by the kitchen counter, her hair loose, wearing one of his oversized training jerseys that barely skimmed the tops of her thighs. She turned to him with a playful smile. "Missed me or my cooking?"

"Both," he teased, closing the distance between them.

Before she could retort, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her—softly at first, then deeper, more intense. His fingers tangled in her hair, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"God, you taste good," he muttered against her lips, his voice thick with desire.

She laughed breathlessly. "That's the mint I just chewed."

"Whatever it is, it's addictive," he replied, kissing her again.

As their lips moved together, he guided her backward toward the living room, their bodies pressed tightly against each other. The back of her knees hit the couch, but he didn't stop, lifting her effortlessly and carrying her into the bedroom.

"Shubman," she gasped, but it was half a protest, half a plea.

"Shh," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. "I've got you."

He laid her gently onto the bed, hovering over her as his hands roamed down her sides. Her jersey had ridden up slightly, revealing smooth skin and toned thighs. He paused to take her in, his eyes dark and full of admiration.

"You're unreal, Verena," he said, his voice a low growl. "Do you even know what you do to me?"

She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "I think I have an idea."

He leaned down, kissing her neck, trailing down to her collarbone. She arched into him, her hands running over his back, under his shirt, feeling the taut muscles beneath.

"Shubi," she whispered, her voice soft and full of affection.

Hearing her say his nickname like that sent a thrill through him. He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "You're trouble, you know that?"

She smirked. "And you love it."

"Damn right, I do," he said, his lips crashing back onto hers as the world outside her flat melted away.

Shubman's lips moved with fervor against Verena's, his hands sliding down her sides, tugging slightly at the oversized jersey she wore. The fabric lifted higher as he kissed her, revealing more of her smooth skin. His fingers brushed the curve of her waist, and she gasped softly against his mouth.