Page 57 of Ardent Desires

We pull back, our foreheads touching. “You know,” she whispers, her breath warm against my lips, “this feels perfect.”

“Yeah, it really does,” I agree, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Let’s not ruin it,” she says, biting her lip.

“Who says we’re gonna ruin anything?” I tease, moving my hands to her waist and pulling her closer.

“I’m just saying…”

“Just saying what?” I whisper, leaning in to capture her mouth again, our kisses growing hotter.

“Let’s take our time.”

“Fine by me,” I growl, and the heat builds between us, our bodies pressing together, every kiss lighting up more than just our lips.

The sun peeks through the curtains, warming the small apartment. I pull her onto my lap, feeling the softness of her body against me, her laughter filling the space as I nuzzle into her neck.

“Damn, you smell amazing,” I murmur, inhaling her scent.

“Is that your way of flirting?” she laughs, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Maybe,” I reply, raising an eyebrow. “Is it working?”

“Always.”

We lose ourselves in each other, the world outside forgotten until Ellie’s voice pulls me back.

“Hey, how did the meeting go?” she asks, snuggling back against me, her voice cozy like the blankets wrapping around us.

I hesitate, wanting to keep this bubble intact. “There might be a delay,” I say, trying to keep it casual. “But I’m gonna work on it.”

“What delay?” She shifts, looking up at me, concern etching her features.

“Nothing to worry about,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose, trying to brush it off.

“Really?” she questions, skepticism lacing her tone.

“Really,” I assure her, but the truth is gnawing at my gut.

We slip back into each other’s embrace, the warmth of the moment wrapping around us, and before I know it, we’ve drifted off to sleep, tangled up in the tiny bed, the world outside fading into a distant hum.

But it doesn’t last long.

A sharp sound jolts me awake. My phone buzzes insistently on the nightstand, and I groan, squinting at the bright screen. It’s 5:30 AM. Who the hell is calling me at this hour?

I slide out of bed, careful not to disturb Ellie. She looks peaceful, and the last thing I want is to ruin her morning. I grab my phone, glancing at the caller ID. It’s Marcus, my lawyer.

“What the hell is going on?” I answer, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

“Alexander,” he says, his voice tight. “Have you seen the news?”

“No,” I snap. “I just woke up. What’s happening?”

“Get ready. You need to sit down.”

“Why?” I demand, my heart racing.

“Vanessa Chase is in the news.”

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