Page 34 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

Sloane felt a rush of relief. “That sounds perfect.” She noticed how her cheeks felt warm.

“You’ll tell me if I’m ever pushing you away again, right?” Helena asked, her voice low and serious.

“Definitely. But I think we’re in a good place now,” Sloane said, feeling her defenses start to crumble. “We just need time for this deal to be completed, and I think a lot of the conflict you are feeling will resolve itself.”

“Time is what we have,” Helena said with a reassuring smile. “Let’s take it slow. The last thing I want is to lose you.”

Sloane nodded, feeling a mix of hope and apprehension. “Okay. Slow sounds good. I also really want to be with you, Helena.”

And as they sat there, sharing glances and smiles, Sloane knew they were on the brink of something new. The waves continued to crash outside, and inside the café, a real connection was crashing over them too. She reached across the table, herpalm out and open as on offer. Helena slowly reached and clasped her fingers with hers.

The dim light from a nearby lamp made the shadows dance on the walls, but Sloane felt a warmth between them now. She could see relief in Helena’s eyes, and a small smile crept onto Sloane’s face.

“I’m really sorry about earlier,” Helena said, biting her lip. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Sloane shook her head. “It’s okay, Helena. We both said some things we didn’t mean. I’m just glad we could talk it out.”

Helena looked down at her drink. “Do you think… Can I see your hotel room?”

Sloane raised her eyebrows and nodded. “Sure! It’s not far. Let’s go!”

They stood up and walked out of the café and through the colorful lobby. The hotel was quiet as they took the stairs to Sloane’s hotel room. She felt excited to show Helena her new space. Sloane opened the door, and they stepped inside.

“Wow!” Helena exclaimed, looking around. “It really is nice!”

Sloane grinned. The room had two big beds instead of one. “Yeah, this was the only room available when I checked in. It’s pretty cool.”

Helena wandered over to one of the beds and bounced lightly on it. “Can we sleep in here together? I’m so used to being alone before you… but now…”

Sloane nodded again. “You don’t have to explain anymore. Of course you can stay. It’s way more comfortable than the other bed.”

They both climbed onto the larger bed, sitting close to each other. Sloane looked at Helena’s shy expression. “You know, I’m glad we made up.”

Helena smiled softly. “Me too, Sloane. I don’t like being a bitch all the time anymore.”

They shared a quiet moment looking into each other’s eyes. Then, without thinking, Sloane leaned in and kissed Helena gently. The kiss felt sweet and warm, as if they were wrapping each other in a cozy blanket.

“Can I kiss you again?” Sloane whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

“Yes,” Helena replied, closing her eyes.

Sloane kissed her again, this time deeper. The world outside faded away, and all that mattered was the two of them in the soft glow of the hotel room. They leaned back onto the bed, and Sloane felt the sheets cool against her skin as they continued to kiss.

As they cuddled, Sloane took Helena’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “I want to do this every time I see you,” Sloane said softly.

“Me too,” Helena said, biting her lip again, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

Slowly, they began to remove their clothes, helping each other until they were both naked. Sloane felt giddy and free, her heart racing with excitement. She pressed her body against Helena’s, their skin touching, making her feel even more alive.

Helena’s breath hitched as Sloane trailed her fingers down Helena’s body, bringing a rush of warmth. “You feel amazing,” Sloane said, looking deeply into Helena’s eyes.

Helena smiled back, then her hands explored Sloane’s body, sending shivers down Sloane’s spine. They were lost in their own world, forgetting everything but each other. The air was filled with soft giggles and whispers.

“I think we should be a little more adventurous,” Helena said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“What do you mean?” Sloane asked.

“I want to be inside you.” She moved closer, her hands lingering over Sloane's hips.

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