“No pressure then.”
I tilted her face up, making her meet my eyes. “We’ll figure it out.”
She touched my face, her palm warm and soft against my jaw. “We will.”
I kissed her, slow and sweet, pouring everything I felt into it. When I pulled back, her eyes were heavy-lidded, her body relaxed against mine.
“You’re falling asleep again.”
“I’m not,” she mumbled, even as her eyes had drifted closed.
I lifted her from the water, wrapping her in one of the thick towels left by the pool’s edge. She didn’t protest, just let me dry her off and carry her to the bed.
I tucked her beneath the furs before sliding in beside her. She immediately curled into me, seeking my warmth, her head finding that spot on my chest that was made for her.
“Sleep, sweet,” I whispered. “Tomorrow we’ll save some babies.”
Her breathing evened out, and I held her, staring at the ceiling where moonlight created dancing patterns.
This wasn’t just attraction anymore, but something deeper. It had been building since the first moment I met her.
I was falling hard and fast and completely.
My practical, brilliant, storm-making wife had no idea she’d already claimed my heart.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ADELE
Iwoke to silvered darkness and the steady rhythm of Raoul’s breathing.
For a long moment, I watched him sleep. In rest, all the careful diplomacy and controlled power melted away, leaving him softer. Vulnerable, even. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and his mouth that could command armies or kiss me senseless was smooth, making him look relaxed and peaceful.
My chest tightened with a feeling dangerously close to devotion.
I traced a finger along his jaw, following the strong line of it. His skin was warm and slightly rough with morning stubble.
Without opening his eyes, he caught my hand, bringing it to his lips.
“Morning,” he whispered against my palm.
“How did you know I was awake?”
“Your breathing changed.” He cracked one eye open, amber glinting in the crystal-filtered moonlight. “And you were staring at me.”
“Was not.”
“Were too.” Both eyes opened now, and the heat in them made my stomach flip. “I could feel it.”
He pulled me closer, and I went willingly, my body fitting against his like we’d been designed for this. His mouth found mine, slow and sweet at first, then deeper. Hungrier. His hand slid down my spine, and I arched into him, a sound escaping my throat that was definitely not dignified.
“We should stop,” I whispered against his lips, even as I kissed him again.
“Probably.” His teeth grazed my jaw. “Babies need us.”
“Sneezing babies.”
“Very important sneezing babies.” He groaned and rolled onto his back, one arm thrown over his eyes. “You’re a terrible distraction, you know that?”
