Page 37 of Ardent Desires

“Get some rest, baby,” I say, kissing her forehead. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

She nods, snuggling into the covers as I slide in beside her. I pull her close, my arms wrapping around her as she settles against me, her body warm and soft in my embrace.

For the first time in a long time, everything feels right. And as I drift off to sleep, I can’t help but think that this—her—might just be exactly what I’ve been missing.

She is the one thing that has been missing in my life all along.

Chapter nine

The Morning After

Ellie

I wake up slowly, the soft sheets warm against my skin, but the second I blink my eyes open, it hits me like a wave. I’m not a virgin anymore.

I lie there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, my heart racing as the memories from last night flood back. The feel of Alexander’s hands on my skin, his body pressing into mine, the way he made me feel…Fuck.I turn my head slightly, seeing him still asleep beside me, his arm draped across his chest, his dark hair tousled in a way that makes him look almost boyish.

I carefully slip out of bed, my body still a little sore but in the best way possible. I need to pee. Badly. I pad over to the bathroom, wincing as I feel the lingering ache between my legs. It’s a reminder of last night, of everything that happened.

When I come back, I look around for something to wear, spotting Alexander’s shirt tossed on the floor. I grab it, pulling it over my head, but as soon as I try to button it, I realize there’s no way my boobs are fitting into this thing. It’s too tight, my cheststraining against the fabric, and just as I’m fumbling with the buttons, I hear him laugh.

I whip my head around, and sure enough, he’s awake, his eyes half-open, but clearly amused.

“You’re awake,” I mumble, my cheeks flushing as I try to cover myself.

“I am,” he says, his voice still rough with sleep. “And you’re struggling, baby.”

I groan, feeling embarrassed as I toss the shirt aside and jump back into bed. Before I can even settle, his arm is around my waist, pulling me closer until I’m practically lying on top of him.

“Good morning,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple.

I laugh softly, nuzzling into his chest. “Good morning.”

We lie there for a moment, and I can’t help but marvel at how comfortable it feels to be with him like this. Like this is normal for us. He tilts my chin up and kisses me, slow and sweet, his lips soft against mine. I let out a little sigh, melting into him, my hands sliding up to tangle in his hair.

After a few minutes, I pull away. “I need to go to my own suite and get my things.”

“We can do that,” he says, his hands sliding lower to rest on my hips. “But I wanted to check in on you after last night.”

I blink up at him, my chest tightening with the softness in his voice. “I’m okay,” I tell him, running my fingers over his jaw. “Don’t worry about me.”

He watches me for a second, then his expression shifts slightly. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” I say, feeling a little nervous but nodding anyway.

“Why did you wait so long?” he asks, his voice gentle, no judgment there—just curiosity.

I bite my lip, thinking about it. “I don’t know… I guess I never really found someone I wanted to sleep with.”

He hums softly, brushing his thumb over my hip. “Well, I’m glad I could be the one.”

I laugh, feeling my cheeks warm again. But then something clicks in my head. “Oh God, I just realized—I should probably go see a gynecologist.”

He raises an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “I can take you to get morning after pills today if you want.”

I nod, feeling a little more at ease. “Yeah, that would be good.”

He shifts beneath me, and before I know it, we’re kissing again. His lips are firm and insistent, his hands roaming over my body, making me squirm against him. The heat between us is building fast, and it’s impossible to ignore.

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