Page 250 of Evil Hearts

The soft glow of the lanterns cast a warm, ethereal light on Dimitri’s face as he leaned in closer. Amelia could see every contour, every shadow, making him appear even more stunningly handsome. Their breaths mingled, and she felt a shudder of anticipation.

“Amelia,” he whispered, his voice a gentle caress against her lips.

“Yes?” she mumbled.

“Let me show you how much I love you.”

Before she could respond, his lips met hers in a slow, lingering kiss that sent waves of heat coursing through her body. His mouth was cool yet inviting, exploring her with a tenderness that made her heart ache. She tasted a hint of sweetness, like honey interspersed with something darker, more intoxicating. The world around them blurred into insignificance; all that mattered was this moment, this kiss. His hands cradled her face, thumbs grazing against her cheeks as if she were the most precious thing he’d ever held. She melted into him, her fingers tangling in his dark hair, heaving him closer. The kiss deepened, each stroke of his tongue igniting a fire within her that burned hotter and brighter.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together as they caught their breath.

“God, Dimitri,” she gasped. “You make it so hard to think about anything else.”

“Then don’t think. Just feel.” He kissed her forehead.

“That’s the problem,” she said softly, stepping back just enough to look into his face. “I feel too much. And it’s overwhelming.”

“Tell me, lyubimaya. What’s troubling you?”

She hesitated, biting her lower lip. “It’s about your offer. The immortality portion...I’m scared, Dimitri. Scared of losing my humanity, of becoming something I’m not.”

“Amelia, I would never force this upon you. Your fears are valid, and I will wait for as long as it takes for you to be ready—or never at all. Your love is enough for me.”

“But I do want it someday. For us to be as one forever, just not yet.”

“Until then, let’s cherish the time we have now.”

“You’re always so patient. How do you manage that?”

“Centuries of practice,” he joked, drawing a reluctant smile from her.

“Thank you, my love,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “For understanding.”

He grabbed her into another embrace, his lips finding hers once more. This kiss was softer, but no less passionate.

She sighed against his lips. “Let’s not talk about the future tonight, Dimitri. Let’s just be here, in this moment.”

“Very well,” he said.

They continued to kiss and caress, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, lost in the sensation and the irrefutable attraction they shared. For now, the worries of the future could wait. All that mattered was the love they had for each other, burning bright enough to light up the darkest corners of their world.

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