He was…protecting her. Had she not already felt a deep attraction to him she would have with that alone. The one man who had seen how capable she was, who above all knew her strengths, wanted to spare her something of emotional pain. It was a connection she hadn’t known or dared assume he had for her, but that bit of restraint on his part illustrated it clearly. He cared for her, beyond a pupil, beyond an agent with promise, he cared for her comfort and peace.

She sighed again and her fingers moved quickly, those fluid digits grazed his chest as they moved up to caress his cheek. Just a moment of touch before they slid back and gently held his jaw. Strength enough to hold him, gentle enough to release should he pull back, but her intention was obvious.

Natasha leaned in, her thigh brushing his, her warmth radiating from her as her lips gently captured his. A first kiss, slightly awkward, highly anticipated, and beyond her expectations.