The car stopped in front of his house, but he didn’t wait for it to come to a complete stop before he jumped out, his stride almost turning into a run.

Inside, he glanced around the hall, but there was no sign of Ivy. His impatience grew with every step as he climbed the stairs, heading straight for their bedroom. He entered the bedroom, and there, sitting by the window, Ivy was sorting through some papers. The moment their eyes met, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Rushing toward her, he scooped her up from the chair, sitting down and pulling her into his lap. His arms wrapped around her.

"Ivy," he murmured, the happiness in his voice unmistakable.

She smiled, her expression a mixture of confusion and amusement. "What’s going on?"

Before she could say anything else, he buried his face in her neck, his lips brushing against her skin in soft, lingering kisses.His breath was hot against her pulse as he trailed kisses up to her jaw, his hands sliding to her waist, tugging her closer until her body was flush against his.

His lips found her cheek, pressing slow, teasing kisses before his mouth finally captured hers. The kiss started soft, his lips coaxing hers apart, but when her fingers curled around his neck, his control snapped.

Christian’s hand slipped into her hair, angling her head as his tongue slid into her mouth, tasting her. His other hand gripped her waist. His kiss deepened, his lips moving over hers with a desperate hunger that left her breathless.

Ivy whimpered softly, her hands sliding up his chest, her fingers digging into the firm muscle beneath his shirt. Christian groaned low in his throat, his grip tightening as he pressed her back against the wall. His mouth moved greedily over hers—biting, sucking, teasing.

Her breath hitched as his hand slid up her side, his palm splaying over her ribcage. His thumb brushed the underside of her breast, making her gasp against his lips. He kissed her harder, his tongue curling with hers, drawing her deeper into the kiss.

Her knees weakened, and Christian’s hand shot down to her thigh, lifting it around his waist. Ivy’s fingers tangled in his hair as his lips trailed down to her jaw, then back to her mouth in a breathless, fevered kiss.

When he finally pulled back, Ivy was gasping, her lips swollen and her cheeks flushed. His forehead rested against hers, his breath warm against her mouth as his hand brushed through her hair.

He couldn't describe how happy she had made him. She had announced their relationship publicly—didn't that mean she had accepted him in front of the whole world as her husband?

His gaze softened as he continued to smile at her. His lips pressed tender kisses to her cheeks and then back to her lips.

Christian pulled back slightly, his hand tenderly cupping her face. "Did you eat yet?" he asked, his voice warm, filled with care.

Ivy nodded. "I ate after coming home."

He kissed her lips again. "Good girl," he muttered. A moment later, something crossed his mind, making him pause before speaking. "Ivy, my dad’s back from Germany. He’s at his place, and he wants to see you."

Ivy’s eyes widened in surprise as she met his gaze.

Christian noticed her hesitation and quickly added, “But if you’re not ready to meet him, we can wait.”

Ivy immediately shook her head. "No. It’s fine. I’ll go with you and meet your dad."

A smile spread across Christian’s face, his happiness evident.

Without warning, he lifted her from his lap. His hand slipped beneath her dress, fingers trailing over her skin before his palm pressed firmly against her chest.

Ivy gasped, her breath catching as he leaned in, his lips tracing a slow path down her neck, his free hand gripping her thigh, pulling her closer. Heat coiled low in her belly as his fingers traced lazy circles over her skin, teasing, coaxing, making her pulse race.

Her hands fisted in his shirt, tugging him closer, her body arching into him, seeking more. A deep growl rumbled in hischest as he lifted her effortlessly, pressing her back against the chair. His lips found hers again, hungrier this time, his hands roaming, claiming every inch of her.

Clothes disappeared between heated kisses, tangled limbs, and breathless gasps. The night blurred into a haze of whispered names, desperate touches, and pure, unrestrained passion.

By the time they finally collapsed against each other, tangled in sheets and exhaustion, the room was filled with nothing but the sound of their slowing breaths and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her skin.

***

Ivy walked into the large mansion, Christian’s hand holding hers tightly. She wore a simple, green sundress that reached her thighs, the sleeveless top with thin straps showcasing her elegant figure.

As they entered, she saw a sophisticated-looking man sitting in the hall. His sleeked-back hair and clean-cut appearance gave off an aura of authority.

When Christian and Ivy walked in, Hank, Christian’s father, lifted his gaze from the newspaper in his hands and stood, setting them down on the table. His eyes locked on Christian and Ivy.