Chapter 14: The Edge of Control

The Winter Ball had been a success. They'd gathered intel on Hawkmoth's network and identified a new contact to monitor—all of which they would need to report back to the agency first thing in the morning. But for now, all Marinette could think about was the heated exchange she'd had with Felix when she'd claimed him in front of that woman.

Back in their suite, she tried to shake the tension that had lingered since that moment. The reminder of her bold words made her blush even now, and she couldn't make sense of the possessiveness that had risen within her when she'd seen that woman touch Felix. It was just part of the mission, she kept telling herself. Just part of the act.

But she couldn't deny the twist of nerves she felt as she watched Felix take off his blazer, hanging it neatly over the back of a chair. She glanced away, the memory of his smirk from earlier still replaying in her mind, taunting her. She knew she'd have to face him about it sooner or later, but how could she explain her own outburst when she could barely understand it herself?

With a quiet breath, she walked over to him, summoning her courage. "Felix, about what I said back there—about you being my..."

But before she could finish, Felix turned to her, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over her. There was something almost reverent in the way he looked at her, a soft, intense admiration that she hadn't seen before.

"You're... gorgeous," he said softly, almost as if the words had escaped without his permission. His voice was low, a hint of vulnerability underlying his usual confidence. "Absolutely stunning."

The compliment struck her with an intensity that caught her off guard, and Marinette felt her cheeks grow hot, a deep blush coloring her face as she struggled to find her voice. "Oh, I... thank you, Felix. You... looked amazing too," she muttered, the words slipping out almost unintentionally.

He leaned closer, a faint smirk playing at his lips as he tilted his head, his voice dropping to a whisper. "What was that, love?"

The teasing endearment sent a thrill down her spine, her eyes widening in surprise as she tried to keep her composure. "N-nothing!" she stammered, quickly turning away in an attempt to hide her blush. Her mind was a swirl of emotions she couldn't control, each moment leaving her more flustered than the last.

But in her haste to escape, her heel caught on a small ruffle in the carpet, and she stumbled, her breath catching as she felt herself lose balance.

Felix's hands shot out, catching her in an instant. His grip was firm, steady, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close, holding her against him with a sudden intensity. She looked up, her heart racing as she found herself face-to-face with him, his gaze piercing, his eyes dark with something that made her pulse quicken.

For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. His face was mere inches from hers, his hand resting at the small of her back, holding her against him in a way that was both protective and electrifying. She could feel his breath against her cheek, could see the way his gaze flicked down to her lips, lingering there as if he couldn't resist.

And, in that moment, he didn't.

Without a word, Felix leaned in, his eyes locked on hers as he closed the distance between them, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was both tentative and filled with a longing that had been building between them from the very beginning.

The world fell away, everything else fading into insignificance as Marinette felt herself melt into him, her mind reeling at the realization that, for once, there was nothing between them—no mission, no rivalry, no need to hold back.

They had finally crossed the line.

OMG! They finally kissed, that took forever, they are so oblivious. Sorry for the pretty short chappie. Also, sorry not sorry for leaving this off at a cliffhanger, I just couldn't resist!

ILY!-Nattie