Page 113 of Branded Hearts

A smile spreads across my face. “It sounds like fate brought you two together.”

Rose nods, looking fondly at John. “Absolutely. Sometimes, you just know when you’ve found the one.”

Bradley glances at me with a soft smile, making my heart skip a beat. His hand slides under the table to rest on my thigh, my pulse quickening. As his fingers trace gentle patterns on my leg, I struggle to keep still, the desire for him intensifying.

“Amelia, how do you like working at Koala Creek Primary?” Rose asks, her eyes genuinely curious.

“I love it,” I reply. “The kids are great, and the staff is wonderful. It’s challenging, but rewarding.”

Bradley squeezes my thigh gently, a silent show of support. I glance at him, and his eyes are filled with pride and affection, making me feel like the luckiest woman in the world. The night progresses with more laughter and shared stories, the atmosphere relaxed and inviting. As dessert arrives—a decadent chocolate fondant for the table to share—John raises his glass. “To new friendships and unforgettable nights,” he toasts.

“To new friendships,” we echo, clinking glasses.

There’s a slight buzz from the two glasses of wine I’ve had, but not enough to call myself tipsy. I just feel warm inside. Arms linked with Rose, we make our way outside, the boys trailing behind.

“So, you and Bradley, huh?” Rose asks with a knowing smile.

I blush. “I guess so,” I say, feeling the warmth spread to my cheeks.

“You two suit each other so well, and that man is so smitten.”

“Thank you. It’s still fairly new, but it feels like it’s been forever, you know?” At least for me.

“I do know.” She smiles warmly. “And that man has eyes foronlyyou. And I’m talkinghearteyes. I think John needs to take some notes.” We both laugh just as the guys catch up to us. Bradley’s eyes catch mine in an intense gaze before he winks at me. John and Rose bid their farewells, and Rose pulls me in for a hug before whispering, “Heart eyes. I’m telling you.” It makes me laugh softly.

We wave them goodnight before heading to Bradley’s car.

“What was so funny?” he questions with a curious look.

“Oh, nothing. Rose is just… she’s great.”

“Mhm,” he says, coming up to me, trapping me against the passenger door. He dips his head, planting a kiss in the sensitive spot between my collar and jaw, and I shiver. He trails kisses up the column of my neck to my jaw before capturing my lips in a soft kiss.

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him deeper, coaxing his tongue with mine. He plants one hand on my jaw and the other wraps around my hair, tugging on it to tilt my head upward.

“Brad…” I moan, exhaling. “I think… I’m ready.”

“Ready for?” he asks, his voice husky.

“I think you know. Please. I need you,” I say, pressing myself against his thigh, which is firmly nestled between my legs. With that, he picks me up, puts me into his car, and drives off, heading straight for my apartment.

38

PILLOWTALK -Zayn

The moment we burst through the door, it’s like a dam breaking. Our hands are everywhere, tugging at clothes, desperate to feel skin against skin. Bradley’s lips never leave mine, his kisses hot and urgent.

“Fuck, Amelia,” he murmurs between kisses, his voice rough with need. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes,” I gasp, trying to tug his shirt off. “Yes, Brad. I want this. Right now.”

He pulls back slightly, a soft laugh escaping him as he helps me with his shirt. “Thank fuck,” he says before bending forward and hoisting me up into his arms. My legs wrap around him instinctively, and I can feel his hardening erection through his pants. I rub myself against him as he carries me into my bedroom, the anticipation building with each step.

In the dim light of my room, he sets me down gently on the bed. He strips off his clothes first, every movement deliberate and controlled, his eyes never leaving mine. Seeing him naked, with his cock on full display, is something I don’t think I’ll ever get used to.The fact that I’ve tasted him, had my mouth full of him, is beyond me.

“Clothes, baby. Off,” he instructs, his voice low and commanding.

I nod, my fingers trembling slightly as I stand and begin to undress, peeling off my dress, leaving on my matching red lace set—which, fun fact, had shown up on my doorstep this morning from Jamie and Kristie. Those two conniving little witches ordered me a whole bunch of ‘goodies’, as they put it, and I could have killed them.

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