Page 117 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

“It was. I like you, Julius. I admired you before, respected you. That was enough to get me into your bed. But the man you’ve been these past few days, it’s like the man you were always meant to be. The compassion and kindness I saw glimpses of when I worked for you just seem like a part of you. The prince you were would have attended the masquerade and donated money, considering it an investment in the community and a good public relations move. The man you are now took the time to listen to stories like Aroldo’s.”

He turned to face her then.

“What are you saying?”

Her hands came up to rest on his jaw, framing his face as she raised up.

“I want you, Julius. Whether it’s just tonight or the rest of your time here, I want to be with you.”

“And after?” He gripped her shoulders. “What happens when I return to Rodina?”

Fear fluttered to life. She pushed it away.

“Don’t think about after.” Her words were nearly swallowed up by a sudden howl of wind that ripped at her skirts. “For tonight, let’s do what you said. Just be us.” She leaned up, brushed her lips over his. “Be with me.”

Thunder clapped as the wind strengthened, ushering in the scent of rain mixed with the salt of the churning sea.

Then he leaned down and kissed her.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DOUBTSFLEDASJulius plundered her mouth. His lips sought as he explored her, tasted her. She moaned, her lips opening to him. He took everything she offered and demanded more. One hand cupped the back of her head, urged her closer.

Raindrops fell, the coolness a stark contrast to the heat inside her.

“As romantic as this is,” Julius said with a carefree grin that made her breath catch, “I think a change of scenery is in order.”

He swept her up into his arms and started up the stairs. The rain fell harder, drenching them both. She leaned back, tilted her head and laughed. When she looked back at Julius, he was staring at her as if he’d never seen her before.

“What?”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh. Truly laugh.” His hold on her tightened as he walked into his room through the terrace door. He set her on her feet, keeping his hands on her waist as he pulled her flush against him. “You’re stunning when you laugh.”

She kissed him, pouring all of her love and passion into it as she ran her hands up his back. He responded in kind, his primitive growl thrilling her as lightning lit up the room. He kept her cradled in his arms as he stood and crossed to the bed. He set her down gently, grabbing her hands in his and lifting her up to her knees.

“Don’t move.”

She watched him as he advanced, the lightning casting shadows over his masculine face that made him seem even darker, more dangerous. Before, in Paris, it had been sweet and soft, romantic, yet at times distant, as if Julius had been holding a part of himself back.

Here, now, she saw everything. More thrilling, and more terrifying, he let her, showing her his hunger, his desire.

His fingers slid under the hem of her blouse. Up and over her head, leaving her clad only in a strapless bra. His hands slid up her naked waist, around her back. The material fell away. Suddenly shy, she resisted the urge to cover herself.

“Beautiful.” Julius stared down at her as if he couldn’t believe she was real. “So beautiful, Esme.”

One arm wrapped around her waist. A moan escaped her lips as he bent his head and sucked the tender tip of her breast into his mouth.

“Julius!”

His tongue flicked over the sensitive peak before he placed soft kisses on her breast before moving to the other. The strength of his arm wrapped around her anchored her as the sensations of pleasure spread from where his mouth made love to her body, filling her with a liquid warmth that made her limbs heavy even as it made her chest feel light.

Emboldened by his touch, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed back.

“My turn.”

Fire flashed in his eyes. Slowly, he sat on the edge of the bed next to her. She undid the buttons on his shirt one at a time, her breath catching as she unveiled his muscular chest. At last, she pushed the shirt off his shoulders and placed her lips to the skin over his heart.

She rose up once more on her knees, looped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. The dark curling hair on his chest rubbed against her breasts, the coarse contrast sending an erotic shudder through her body. She bowed her head and kissed the pulse beating at the base of his throat.

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