“And you like it.”
She did. Far too much.
Ahead, Selina and Dominic reached the chosen picnic spot beneath a large oak tree. Austin slowed again, stopping Deena with a gentle touch to her wrist. The contact was light, but it sent a shiver through her.
“Deena,” he said softly, “before we join them… There is something I want you to know.”
She turned to face him fully. The sunlight caught in his dark hair, softening the sharp lines of his face and lighting up the slight stubble along his jawline. He looked almost boyish, except for the intensity in his dark eyes.
“What is it?” she asked.
He stepped closer, close enough that she felt the warmth of his breath. “I did not forget our intimate nights, and I did not forget my duty as a husband. I want you to know that I will please you.” His voice was husky. The promise made her spine tingle, and her body came to life.
The world narrowed to the space between them.
She tilted her head, meeting his gaze steadily. “You have done enough for me already,” she whispered. “Perhaps it should be I who pleases you.”
Austin’s eyes darkened, and he growled her name. “Deena…”
She felt the moment stretch taut as a bowstring. One more breath and he would close the distance. One more heartbeat, and she would let him.
“Deena! Austin!” Selina’s voice shattered the moment.
They both exhaled sharply, stepping apart as though burned.
Selina waved them over. “Come along! The food is getting cold!”
Deena pressed a hand to her racing heart. Austin ran a hand through his hair, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like a curse.
As they walked towards the blanket and settled in, Dominic watched them with narrowed eyes. “You two look different.”
Austin raised a brow. “Different how?”
Dominic shrugged. “Just different. But in a good way. Did something happen? I mean, apart from what you endured while helping Penelope.”
Selina suddenly gasped, causing all heads to swivel towards her. “Oh! Are we finally getting nephews and nieces?”
Deena choked on her own breath while Austin coughed violently next to her. They both stared at Dominic, whose jaw was ticking dangerously. Deena bit back her laughter and looked atDominic apologetically, but he seemed furious. Selina grinned and babbled on about babies, oblivious to the tension.
Dom turned his glare to Austin, who lifted both hands in surrender. Deena was starting to realize it was a common action between the two friends. “I did not do anything. I swear. On my title. On my horse. On my favorite boots!”
Selina snorted. “Your boots?”
“They are very dear to me, Selina,” Austin said drily.
Dominic glared at him. “You had better not?—”
“Dom,” Selina interrupted, patting his arm. “They are married.”
Dominic exhaled slowly, then shrugged. “Well… my children could use the company anyway.”
“What?” Deena gasped.
Mary and Percy chose that moment to run back towards the group, Percy tripping over his own feet and Mary laughing at him.
“Mama, Aunt Dee! I picked these for you!” Percy held out two daises to them, and Deena’s heart warmed at his innocent kindness.
“Thank you, my little gentleman.” She gave him a small kiss on his tiny cheek and he giggled.
