Page 234 of Evil Hearts

“Shall we continue our stroll?” He offered his arm.

Amelia slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and felt that this moment was a turning point. His muscles tensed at her touch, revealing the effect she had on him. While they walked, she felt the strength of his presence beside her, grounding her even as her thoughts soared.

“Amelia,” he said softly, breaking the silence.

“Yes?”

“Thank you for joining me tonight.”

“My pleasure. Now, about these legends...” she prompted, hoping for more.

“Patience, lyubimaya,” he said, staring at her lips. “All in good time.”

Her breath stalled, and she felt a longing so strong it was almost painful. As they continued their walk, she knew that she was falling, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to stop.

“Is that a promise, Dimitri?” Amelia’s expression was eager, heartfelt.

“Most definitely,” he responded, his gaze locking onto hers with a potency that made her heart race.

The garden path led them deeper into the shadows, where the air grew cooler and the fragrance of night blooming jasmine became intoxicating. They paused near a secluded alcove, hidden from the manor’s distant lights.

Dimitri turned to face her, his hand gently tracing the line of her jaw. “Amelia,” he whispered silky and gravelly, “you have bewitched me in ways I never thought possible.”

She felt herself leaning into his touch, her body responding to him with a fervor she couldn’t control. “And you, Dimitri, have awakened my interest in men.”

“Then let us not waste another moment,” he said, closing the distance between them.

Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and hungry, their passion igniting like a spark to dry tinder. Amelia’s hands roamed over Dimitri’s broad chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath his tailored suit. His own hands were no less exploratory, sliding down her back and jerking her closer until there was no space left between them.

Amelia’s body responded to his strength, his kisses, his undeniable attraction. She felt the heat of his erection pressing against her, sending floods of desire coursing through her. She wanted him, needed him in ways that defied logic and propriety.

“Amelia,” he groaned against her mouth, his voice thick with need.

“Dimitri,” she whispered, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed herself even closer to him.

They stumbled at the same time, finding support against the rough bark of an oak tree. His hands slid under her dress, caressing her thighs, and she gasped at the sensation, her body arching toward him in a soundless plea for more.

“Do you feel this, lyubimaya?” he asked, his breath hot against her ear as his fingers traced the edges of her panties.

“Yes.” She moaned, her body quivering with lust. “I want you, Dimitri.”

“Then take what you want.” His lips trailed down her neck, leaving a scorching path in their wake.

Her hands moved with a mindfulness of their own, exploring the planes of his body, feeling the tautness of his muscles, the heat radiating from his skin. She could sense his restraint, the careful control he held over himself, and it only made her want him more.

He groaned, lifting her up so her legs wrapped around his waist. “You are driving me mad.”

“Good,” she replied, her voice husky with yearning. “Because I’m already lost in you.”

His movements became more urgent, his kisses more frantic as they both teetered on the edge of control. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in a feverish embrace.

“Wait…” Dimitri suddenly pulled back, his breathing ragged. “We must stop, or I won’t be able to.”

Amelia panted, trying to gather her composure. Her body ached for release, but she nodded, understanding the necessity of restraint. Slowly, they disentangled themselves, straightening their clothes.

“That was...” Amelia whispered, but words failed her.

“Nice,” Dimitri finished for her, his stare still hazy with lingering passion. “Shall we walk?”

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