Page 229 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

‘I’mherefor you,cariño.’ He leaned close, touching the tip of her nose with his. ‘Right here. Because I love you.’

‘You’re the sun in my universe, Ramon, but I got burned.’

‘Then let me kiss it better.’ He folded her into his arms and pressed her body to the length of his. ‘I’ve missed you. I need you. I want you back.’

She closed her eyes and let him take her weight completely. His arms tightened even more and it washeaven.

‘Youthrillme,’ she muttered against his chest. ‘I just want you more and more. I fell in lust with you instantly even though you were arrogant and annoying, I just wanted you on a cellular level because you challenged me in every way. You’re different to anyone I’d ever met and I’m every bit as greedy as you once thought me,’ she said. ‘But not for money. Not even lust. Well, not just lust. It’syou. I couldn’t stop myself from going for every moment I could get with you. From getting as close to you as possible. And it was so good I was scared of losing it. So I stayed silent. I’m sorry.’ She pushed so she could look up into his eyes even though tears half blinded her. ‘I’m really sorry.’

He shook his head and kissed her as he answered. ‘You’ve nothing to be sorry for.’

‘Please take me home,’ she whispered.

Which is how, only a few minutes after nine in the morning, Elodie abandoned her work for the day. Bethan smiled but said nothing. Piotr actually smiled too as he opened the car door for them, but he also said nothing.

Ramon too was silent as they were driven home, and if anything he looked more anxious than the moment she’d seen him waiting for her in that empty room. She felt his deep breathing and realised he was exercising restraint.

The moment they got inside he crushed her to him again and tremors wracked his strong body. ‘I was scared you’d never be here with me again.’

He stepped back only to scoop her into his arms.

‘Not the guest suite,’ she teased, delighted when an amused smile cracked his strained expression.

‘Never.’ He set her down and stared at her in wonder. ‘I’ve been a wreck without you.’

‘You don’tlooka wreck.’ She pressed her hand on his jaw, appreciating the close shave that displayed his angular features.

‘I wanted to make an effort for you. But while I might be okay on the outside, I’m a mess in the middle.’

‘Could’ve given me a heads-up so I could have dressed for you.’ She gestured at her old jeans. ‘I’m just a mess.’

‘You’re always beautiful.’ That wicked smile creased the corners of his eyes and he slipped the shirt over her head. ‘However you are.’

‘Yeah? I still think I should get out of these old jeans.’

He laughed. ‘I’ve got a three-piece suit to get off.Cufflinks.’ He shuddered. ‘I don’t know what I was thinking.’

‘I’ll help.’

But his clothes were too well made to be torn despite frantic attempts, stifled swearwords, laughter and groans. In the end they were still half dressed when the desperate drive to reconnect overtook them. They tumbled to the bed and the relief of holding him, of being held, overwhelmed her.

‘I’ve missed you so much.’ He kissed away her tears. ‘I need youcariño. I love you. I want you now and always.’

She could feel his intensity. Knew he meant it. But he wasn’t making another move.

‘Then touch me,’ she whispered as her heart filled. ‘Because I feeleverythingwith you and it’s so good.’

‘Yes.’

Eventually they wriggled out of those last items of clothing and cuddled close. It was going to be another delicious day in his bed. Elodie’s very favourite kind of day.

‘I know you’re going to be busy with the escape rooms, but do you think you might travel with me sometimes? I know it’s a lot, I’ll try to reduce it,’ Ramon muttered idly. ‘I hate being apart from you.’

‘Yes.’ She snuggled closer. ‘Same.’

‘I’m bringing Jose Ramon onboard.’

She propped her chin on his chest to look at his face. ‘You are?’

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