His eyes flicker down to my lips before locking back on mine, his gaze intense, searing. “Because you’re mine. You being Mrs. Beaumont is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Finding you was the purpose of my life.”

His words are a spark to the fire that’s been smoldering inside me all day. I take a step closer to him, the small heels I’m wearing clicking against the floor as I move, until I’m right in front of him. His eyes don’t leave mine as I lower myself to my knees in front of him, the hem of my dress brushing against my thighs. The subtle shift in his expression tells me he’s anticipating something, but I don’t know what I want to do just yet.

I reach out, slowly trailing my fingers along the side of his knee, the action light but deliberate, letting him feel the pressure building between us.

“Mrs.Beaumont,” I murmur, my voice low, teasing. “I like the sound of that.”

Vincent’s breath hitches, his body shifting beneath me as I lean closer. “I love the sound of that,” he says, voice rough, like it’s taking everything he has not to reach for me.

I smile to myself, feeling the power of his reaction, the pull between us undeniable. “Maybe you should remind me why I’m yours.”

His hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist, not hard, but firm enough to make my heart race. He tugs me closer, his body pulling me into his as his lips graze the side of my neck. The warmth of his breath on my skin sends a shiver down my spine.

“You don’t need reminding,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my earlobe. “But I’ll happily show you.”

Before I can respond, he’s pulling me onto the bed with him, the softness of the sheets pressing against my back as he hovers over me, his weight a delicious pressure. His lips are on mine in an instant, bruising but possessive, claiming me with every kiss. I moan softly into his mouth, feeling the heat of his body seeping into mine.

His hands trail down my body, stopping just at the curve of my waist, his touch lingering for a moment before he pulls back to look at me, his eyes dark with desire.

“Do you really think I’m going to let you leave for that party?” His voice is rough, his breath shallow.

I let out a breathy laugh, my fingers running through his hair, tugging him back to me. “Maybe you should just keep me here, then.”

Vincent grins, a wicked glint in his eye. “Trust me, I’m very tempted. But tonight isn’t about keeping you to myself, is it?”

I tilt my head, a smile playing on my lips. “No, you have to share.”

Vincent’s eyes paint to a pitch black. “I can share everything but you.”

And then his lips are on mine again, his kiss deepening as his hands find the hem of my dress. I arch into him, my own hands tugging at the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He breaks the kiss just long enough to pull his shirt over his head, and I take a moment to admire him, the hard lines of his chest, the way his muscles flex as he moves.

“Fuck, Willow,” he growls, his hands sliding up my thighs, pushing my dress higher until it bunches around my waist. His fingers trace the edge of my panties, teasing me, making me shiver with anticipation.

I reach for him, pulling him back down to me, my lips finding the sensitive spot just below his ear. He groans, his hips pressing against mine, and I can feel how much he wants me, how much he’s holding back.

“Vincent,” I whisper, my breath warm against his skin. “Don’t hold back. I want all of you.”

He lets out a shuddering breath, his hands gripping my hips as he looks into my eyes. “Are you sure?”

I nod, my heart racing as I meet his gaze. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

And then he’s moving, his body pressing into mine as his lips claim me again. His hands are everywhere, touching, teasing, driving me wild with need. He pulls my dress completely off in one swift motion. I can feel the heat building inside me, a fire that only he can stoke.

“Vincent,” I moan, my fingers digging into his shoulders as he trails kisses down my neck, his teeth grazing my skin.

“Tell me what you want, Willow,” he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

“You,” I gasp, my body arching into his. “I want you.”

He doesn’t need to be told twice. His hands slip under my back, unhooking my bra with practiced ease, and then his mouth is on my breasts, his tongue teasing my nipples until I’m writhing beneath him.

“Vincent, please,” I beg, my hands tangling in his hair as he moves lower, his lips trailing kisses down my stomach.

He pauses just above the waistband of my panties, his eyes meeting mine as he hooks his fingers into the fabric.Last chance to back out.

“Don’t stop,” I whisper, my body trembling with anticipation.

He doesn’t. He pulls my panties down my legs, tossing them aside before spreading my thighs and settling between them. His breath is hot against my skin as he leans in, his tongue flicking out to taste me.