Page 44 of One Weekend in London

It’s a gift I’ll cherish for the rest of my days.

Lost in the feel of her, I almost don’t register the words she’s murmuring into my neck. But I catch them, and now it’s me whose breath catches.

“It doesn’t make any sense but I’m done questioning the hows and whys. Because it doesn’t even matter. What does matter is I’m falling for you, Rhys Kensington. Harder and faster than I ever thought possible. And one day, when we’ve had more time together, and I’ve healed the last of my heartbreak, I’m going to tumble completely and irrevocably head over heels in love with you.”

Elation explodes in my chest, detonating behind my collarbone. I tighten my grip on her waist in response, pulling her impossibly closer.

“I’ll wait forever if need be.”

She pulls back, just enough to meet my gaze. Raindrops tremble on her lashes, her lips, and I’ve never seen anything so lovely. No longer able to take the sodding space between us, and acting as a man possessed, I fist her hair and lean in, taking her lips.

Soft, then hard.

The kiss is one full of promise, of passion, of those three little words we’ll both one day say. She sighs into my mouth, her fingers gripping me tightly, as if she fears I’ll pull away, and then I’m lost.

Lost in her.

In the moment.

In the perfection of her in my arms.

When we finally part, breathless and teetering on the brink of wholly losing ourselves in one another, I rest my forehead against hers, something I’ve never done with another woman.

“Take me home.”

My blood heats, desire and adoration twining into an intoxicating cocktail when she refers to my—but soon to be our—penthouse as home.

“Anything for you.”

I guide her into the car, my hand possessively resting on the small of her back, same as always. As we settle into the luxurious leather seats, I pull her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She nestles into me, her head resting on my chest, and I marvel at how perfectly she fits.

More proof she was made for me.

As Phillips navigates the rain-slick streets, the raindrops falling against the roof mixed with the soft purr of the engine create a soothing symphony. Sadie’s warmth seeps into me, her gentle curves moulding to the hard planes of my body, and I’m consumed by a fierce need to protect her, to cherish her, to make her mine in every way possible.

Because bollocks to ever giving this up.

Yet there’s still one final piece to my plan. One last grand gesture to prove to her the depth of my feelings, the strength of my commitment. But for now, I’m content to simply hold her, to fantasise of what’s to come, of all the ways I plan to show her my love.

Physically and emotionally.

I press a kiss to her forehead, my lips lingering on her soft skin. “Hope you aren’t planning to sleep tonight, love.” Sleep is the last thing we’ll be doing. “Because I’ve got plans for you.”

Bending her over my bed is only the start.

She tilts her head back, her heated eyes meeting mine. “Oh, really?” Lifting her hand, she traces the line of my jaw with her fingertips. “Guess you’ll have to give me a good reason to stay up past my bedtime then.”

I capture her hand, bringing it to my lips, my eyes never leaving hers. “Oh, I intend to.” I grin, unable to quiet myself. “By worshipping every inch of you, branding myself on your skin, on your soul. By the time I’m finished with you tonight, you’ll never question my devotion to you.” I pause. “Mind and body.”

Pupils dilating, her breathing quickens, making it clear she’s just as affected by my words as I am by the mere sight of her. And as if sensing the growing tension, the electricity filling the air, Phillips accelerates, driving faster while maintaining a safe distance from other motorists.

He’ll be receiving a raise come morning.

Pulling my belle closer, I continue to hold her tight as the car speeds through rainy London, letting myself dream of the future we’ll build together. A future filled with love and the kind of happiness I never thought I’d find.

The kind Mum wanted me to have.

In time, that future will become a reality.

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