Page 74 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

“Why is no one else here? Please don’t tell me you rented the garden for just us.” Alysa asked.

His palm slid from her hip to the small of her back as he led Alysa through the quiet, moonlit paths of the botanical gardens, their footsteps soft against the stone.

"Just for tonight."

The air was cool, a faint breeze carrying the scent of flowers—roses, jasmine, and lavender—filling the space with their sweet fragrance.

Alysa turned to him, her eyes shining with emotion. "You did this for me?"

Cassius nodded, his hand cupping her cheek. "I'd do anything for you, Alysa. I hope you know that by now."

The air between them thickened, charged with unspoken desire. Alysa's tongue darted out to wet her lips, and Cassius found his gaze drawn to the movement.

Slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, he leaned in. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened. Alysa's arms wound around his neck as Cassius pulled her closer, one hand tangling in her hair while the other pressed against the small of her back.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Cassius rested his forehead against Alysa's; his eyes closed as he savored the moment.

They wandered through the gardens hand in hand, stopping occasionally to admire a particularly beautiful bloom or to steal another kiss. The tension between them built with each passing moment, a slow burn that threatened to consume them both.

As they reached a secluded corner of the garden, hidden from view by a wall of lush foliage, Cassius could no longer hold back. He pulled Alysa to him, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. She responded eagerly, her body molding to his.

Cassius's hands roamed over Alysa's curves, appreciating the softness of her body. Her ample breasts pressed against his chest, and he groaned into the kiss.

Perfect. She's absolutely perfect.

"Alysa," he breathed, breaking the kiss to trail his lips down her neck. "God, you're beautiful."

Alysa whimpered, her fingers tangling in his hair. "Cassius, please…"

Her plea ignited something primal within him. With a low growl, Cassius lifted her, her legs wrapping around his waist as he pressed her against the trunk of a nearby tree. The rough bark contrasted with the softness of her skin, heightening every sensation.

Cassius's hands slid under Alysa's dress, caressing the smooth expanse of her thighs. He reveled in the way she arched into his touch, her body responding to him instinctively.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice rough with desire.

Alysa nodded frantically. "Yes, God, yes. Don't stop."

Permission granted, Cassius let himself get lost in her. His fingers found her pussy, already slick with want, and he groaned at the feel of her. Alysa's head fell back against the tree trunk, a soft moan escaping her lips as he began to stroke her with his fingers.

"That's it, Baby," Cassius murmured, his lips ghosting over her collarbone.

Alysa's moans grew louder as Cassius worked her toward her peak. He watched her face, memorizing every expression of pleasure that crossed her features. When she came, it was with his name on her lips, her body shuddering against his.

As Alysa came down from her high, Cassius peppered her face with soft kisses. "You're incredible," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Alysa's eyes fluttered open, a lazy smile spreading across her face. "That was… wow."

Cassius chuckled, gently lowering her back to her feet. "We're just getting started, Love."

They made their way back to the hotel room, stealing kisses and touches along the way. By the time they reached the suite, both were trembling with need.

Clothes were shed hastily as they stumbled toward the bed. His fingers hooked into the waistband of her underwear, sliding them down her legs as she trembled beneath his touch.

Cassius took a moment to drink in the sight of Alysa's naked form, all soft curves and smooth skin.

Absolutely perfect.

They came together in a tangle of limbs and heated kisses. Cassius worshipped every inch of Alysa's body, determined to show her just how much he desired her.

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