Page 19 of Enduring Promise

When their eyes met again, there was a shared desire that couldn’t be ignored. Russ’s hands moved over her with a newfound confidence, his touch exploring the curve of her waist, the small of her back, each place his fingers grazed seeming to spark warmth that spread through her. She shuddered,anticipation pooling in her belly as his mouth traveled along her neck, his breath hot against her skin, leaving her dizzy with the intensity of it.

By the time he finally filled her with his full length she was so desperate for it she cried out wildly. The anticipation had been so strong, building the tension in her body to a place she’d never felt before.

“Russ,” she breathed with pleasure into his ear. He moved with such force and control that all she needed to do was be taken. Enjoy the work he was doing. The strength he had as he moved in her, above her, seemingly all around her.

Grabbing her hips he pressed her body against the bed and drove even deeper, opening up a whole new level of pleasure and thrill. With a wave of roiling climax she cried out his name and plunged her nails into his back.

Her pleasure seemed to tangle with his own and drive him toward ecstasy even faster. With a primal growl and pulsing body he crashed down on top of her.

In that moment, no one wanted them dead. They weren’t thrown together by circumstances or fate. They were there, in the bed, by choice. They wanted that. They got to decide, and she was damn happy with their decision.

They lay tangled together in the quiet aftermath, Hillary nestled against Russ, her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The world felt softer somehow, the dangers they were running from distant, held at bay by the warmth of his arms around her.

Russ’s hand moved gently, brushing a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. She looked up to find him watching her, his gaze so intent that she felt exposed in a way that went beyond the physical.

She let out a quiet laugh, feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze. “What are you thinking?” she asked, then immediatelyrolled her eyes, groaning at herself. “God, that’s so cliché. Don’t answer that.”

But he only smiled, a lazy, content smile that melted the last of her self-consciousness. “It’s actually easy to answer,” he murmured, his voice soft but resolute. “I was plotting some way we could do this every day for the rest of our lives.”

Hillary’s heart stilled, her breath catching as his words settled over her. She hadn’t allowed herself to think that far ahead—hadn’t let herself believe that this, whatever it was between them, could exist beyond stolen moments. Yet, here he was, saying the thing she hadn’t dared to hope for.

She ran her fingers lightly over his chest, tracing an imaginary line. “You’re sure you want a life like that?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper, afraid to break the spell. “With... all the complications that come with it?”

Russ’s hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with hers as he brought her hand to his lips. “I want every bit of it,” he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. “I know what’s waiting out there, but here, with you... it feels like a life worth fighting for.”

CHAPTER 20

Hillary adjusted the delicate strap of her gown as she stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the midnight blue silk that clung to her frame in all the right places. The dress was simple but elegant, with a sweetheart neckline that dipped just enough to be alluring without going overboard. A thin line of crystal embroidery traced the waist, catching the light with each subtle movement.

She’d opted for understated jewelry—a pair of diamond studs and a thin silver bracelet that sparkled whenever she lifted her hand.

As she fastened the final clasp of her bracelet, Russ stepped into the room, adjusting his cufflinks, and she nearly forgot to breathe. He was clean-shaven, his hair slicked back, the dark waves tamed in a way that highlighted his sharp jawline and striking eyes. His tuxedo was classic black, tailored to fit him like a glove, the crisp white shirt a sharp contrast against the inky fabric. The look transformed him, making him seem every bit the confident, capable man she’d grown to know over the past few days.

Or maybe it wasn’t the tux that had her looking at him differently. She wondered, her cheeks warming at the thought,if it was the fact that they’d just slept together—really, truly connected in a way that made her feel vulnerable and alive all at once.

Was she getting all starry-eyed, falling into a silly crush? Or was it more? Maybe it was the man himself, not the charm of the evening or the aftermath of their intimacy. Maybe she was falling for the man who was willing to risk his life to take down the worst kind of people, who could run into a burning building when everyone else was running out. She felt a swell of admiration as she watched him adjust his bow tie with focused precision.

Russ wasn’t some frustrating guy she’d been forced to cohabitate with under impossible circumstances. He was exceptional—someone who’d chosen to make sacrifices, even when it cost him his peace, his safety, his future. She was in awe of his resilience, his courage, and the quiet strength he carried even in the darkest moments. And maybe that was what had her heart racing now. Russ caught her staring and offered a small smile, his eyes lingering on her in a way that sent a ripple of warmth through her.

“You look . . . incredible,” he murmured, stepping closer.

“So do you,” she replied softly, feeling her pulse quicken as he drew near.

They were due to meet with Claire before heading downstairs, to check in on her and see how she was handling things after the chaos of the day. “We need to make sure she’s doing okay and keep an eye out for anything dangerous at the event. Madame Fournier said there would be about a hundred guests. That’s a good-sized crowd and probably going to make it difficult to keep a watch on everything.”

“The burning of the barn was a warning but not a direct attempt on Claire’s life,” Russ recounted. “I don’t think they want to have a dead scientist on their hands. That’s a mess theydon’t know how to clean up. I am sure they hope putting some pressure on Claire is enough to keep her quiet.”

The knock on the door felt like an intrusion, but really there were things to be done and they couldn’t stay in this beautiful room forever.

Sophie peeked her head in and apologized for the interruption. “May I speak with Miss Claire please?” she asked quite breathlessly. “We really must be getting her dressed now.”

“Claire isn’t in here,” Hillary replied quickly. Thinking mostly, she better not be in here after what we just finished doing.

“I thought she came upstairs with you hours ago.”

“She did, but she left and said she was going back to her room.” Fear was closing in on Hillary’s chest like a vise. “You can’t find her?”

“No. I’ve talked to all the staff and they haven’t seen her since the fire. They assumed she was still in here with you.”

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