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“Thought I’d bring us breakfast.” He places a quick kiss on my forehead as he strides by me to the kitchen counter, placing the bag on the marble top.

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving. Would you like some coffee?” I lift the pot of coffee.

“Sure, thank you.”

We settle down on the counter, sitting next to each other. The bread and croissants he brought smell amazing. I take one and smear some Marmelade on it. Delicious.

“I’m glad you like it.” His gaze meets mine. “Among other things.”

“Stop.”

“I didn’t get my fill of you yesterday.”

I nearly choke on my croissant at Elijah’s bold words. Shouldn’t I be used to this by now?

“What’s the matter?”

“I think you’ve had plenty of me already.”

Elijah leans in close, his warm breath tickling my ear. “I’ll never have my fill of you, little gem.”

I turn to face him, our lips inches apart. “Is that so?”

His eyes darken, his voice dropping an octave lower. “I’ve only had a taste. And now I want the whole damn meal.”

His mouth crashes onto mine. A kiss, full of hunger and need. My hands tangle into his hair, pulling him against me.

“Would you like to see my designs... on an actual model?”

“Are you offering what I think you’re offering?”

I nod, heat flooding my cheeks.

“I would love nothing more.”

A thrill courses through me at his words, and I lace my fingers with his, guiding him back to my room.

“Wait here.” I release his hand, moving toward my work desk.

From the purple box, I retrieve the key piece of my collection.

Elijah leans against the wall, trying to play it cool as he narrows his eyes on the piece in my hands. I slip behind the room divider and get out of my clothes before stepping into the bra and panty.

The black lace is combined with a deep red satin fabric, inspired by the dark red blazer he had wrapped around me that night. A butterfly-like ribbon in the middle holds together the daring plunging neckline of the bra.

I take a deep breath as I fasten the final hook and adjust the lace. The plunging neckline and high-cut hips perfectly hug my body, leaving little to the imagination. This is more than showing off my design—it’s me.

“Ready?” I peek my head out.

“You’re really testing my patience here.”

I step out in nothing but the lacy lingerie set I designed with him in mind. He remains silent, his eyes roaming over my figure, causing all my thoughts to vanish.

“Well?” I turn slowly so he’ll see it from every angle. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re trying to kill me.” He pushes away from the wall and closes the distance between us, placing a hand on my waist. “You’re stunning.”

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