MONDAY was busy, orders flowed in, and what breaks Ana and Rebekah were able to take were minimal.
Consequently, it was almost six before they were able to get away from the shop, and traffic seemed even slower than usual as Ana headed for Vaucluse.
Luc pulled into the driveway seconds ahead of her, and she followed the Mercedes into the garage, parked, then slid from the car.
‘You’re late.’
There was disapproval in his tone, and Ana flashed him a stunning smile. ‘Well, hell, so are you.’
She thought she caught a glimpse of humour in those dark eyes as she drew level, and her lips parted in surprise as he slid a hand beneath her nape and pulled her close.
‘You have a sassy mouth.’
His head descended, and she was powerless to prevent the firm pressure of his mouth on hers as he bestowed an evocative kiss that left her wanting more.
‘What was that for?’
He traced the fullness of her lower lip with an idle finger. ‘Because I felt like it.’
Dear heaven, did he have any idea what he did to her? In bed, without a doubt. But out of it? Just the thought of him sent the blood coursing through her veins. Sexual chemistry, she perceived, was a powerful entity.
And love? To find a soul mate and gift one’s heart unconditionally…to have the gift returned… Was it unattainable in life’s reality? Or did that kind of love only exist in romantic fantasy?
There were times in the depths of passion, she thought it was possible. Except in the dark of night it was all too easy to believe the touch of a man’s hands, the feel of his mouth, meant much more than it did. And without the words…
Although better no words, than a meaningless avowal that would only leave emptiness.
Get a grip, Ana berated silently. You knew when you married him that love wasn’t part of the deal. Why should anything have changed? Except in the deepest recess of her heart she’d hoped that it might.
‘What’s going on in that head of yours, hmm?’
She blinked at the sound of his voice, and switched from passive reflection to the present in an instant.
‘Contemplating how Jace and Rebekah will react to each other,’ she declared with a blandness that didn’t deceive him in the slightest.
Luc curved an arm over her shoulders as they made their way towards the foyer. ‘I have no doubt Jace will handle her without much effort.’
As you handle me? Aloud, she retaliated, ‘Rebekah wouldn’t agree with you.’
Ana ascended the stairs as Luc paused to consult with Petros, and she began discarding clothes as soon as she entered the bedroom. Thirty minutes in which to shower, wash and dry her hair, dress and be ready to depart the house didn’t allow for leisurely preparations.
The sound of cascading water masked the faint snick of the shower door opening, and she gave a startled gasp as Luc entered the cubicle.
‘What do you think you’re doing?’
He took the bottle of shampoo from her hand and poured a liberal quantity into his palm, then began massaging it into her hair.
‘Indulging you.’
His drawling tone curled around her nerve-ends and tugged a little. ‘I don’t need you to indulge me,’ she said fiercely, endeavouring to ignore the pleasure spiralling through her body. God, that felt good, so good!
His hands moved to her nape, then worked magic on her neck and shoulders. An appreciative sigh escaped her lips, and she felt the warmth within slowly build to a burning heat.
Luc rinsed the suds from her hair, smoothed back the wet length, then he lowered his mouth over hers in a soft, evocative kiss that had her leaning in to him, wanting, needing so much more.
His arousal was a potent, virile force, and she whimpered a little as he eased back a little, gentling the kiss until his lips were just brushing hers. Then he held her at arm’s length, and let his gaze roam over her slender form.
The thought of their child swelling her body almost brought him undone. The beauty of it, the miracle…
Already he could see the slight difference in the shape of her breasts, the aureoles, and he traced each contour and lightly cupped their weight, exalting in her faint intake of breath as he brushed each tender nub with his thumb.
He let one hand slip down to cover her waist, and wondered how long it would be before it began to thicken. A few more weeks…longer?
‘Luc—’
‘I want to look at you,’ he said gently.
‘Don’t…’ It was a token protest, for there was something magical happening here. Surely she could be forgiven for wanting to capture and hold the moment.
‘Don’t what?’
She made a last-ditch attempt at sensibility. ‘We’ll be late.’
His smile held musing humour. ‘So, we’ll be late.’
‘Rebekah will never forgive me.’ She gave a husky groan as his hand slid low over her abdomen and sought the sensitive clitoris. All it took was the glide of his fingers, and she became lost…his.
He lifted her easily, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, then sank into him, loving the slow slick slide as she accepted his length.
Her mouth angled in to his, and she felt she was drowning, awash in libidinous sensation as his tongue tangled with hers in an oral simulation of the sexual act itself.
It was he who controlled the rhythmic pacing, its depth of penetration, and he cradled her as she climbed the heights, then caught her as she fell.
Like this, nothing else mattered. Only the man, the moment. It was possible to believe everything in her world was OK. No intrusions, no designing ex-mistress, and no nebulous ghost of his first wife to cloud the perfection of what they’d just shared.
Later there would be a reality check. But for now he was hers…in body, and affection. Was it so wrong to want it all? His heart, his soul?
Ana told herself she should be content with the positives…she was his wife, she was carrying their child.
The negative was Celine, who’d stop at nothing to cause trouble.
And then there was Emma, who’d occupied a brief part of his life before leaving it. In all honesty, she could hardly begrudge him the memory, and didn’t.
It was almost eight when they entered the restaurant, and Ana sensed the tension apparent before she even reached their table.
‘Ana.’ Jace rose to his feet and greeted her with an affectionate hug, brushed his lips to each cheek in turn, then held her at arm’s length. ‘You are beautiful, pedhaki mou. I swear, if you were not already married to my cousin, I’d have no compunction in stealing you away.’ His dark eyes held a devilish twinkle. ‘If he dares to mistreat you, I promise to kill him.’
‘Flatterer.’ She offered him a winsome smile, then slid into the chair the waiter held out for her.
The resemblance between the two cousins was notable in that they shared the height, the breadth of shoulder, the dark, attractive good looks of their heritage. Add power, a dangerous alchemy, and it became a combustible combination.
How many years separated them? One, two? It could only be a few.
‘You knew I didn’t want to be with Jace one-on-one,’ Rebekah remonstrated quietly as Luc and Jace perused the selection of wines.
‘I’m sure you managed OK.’ Given the thoughtful and rather musing expression Jace wore, it wasn’t difficult to imagine he’d succeeded in getting beneath Rebekah’s skin.
The waiter presented the menu, and they ordered a starter followed by a main, waived dessert in favour of the cheeseboard.
‘So tell me how it is with the florist industry,’ Jace drawled, and his eyes were watchful, sharp, beneath an indolent demeanour.
‘I’ve been away for a few weeks,’ Ana said lightly. ‘Rebekah can expound on it.’
‘To what purpose? I doubt Jace’s interest is genuine.’
‘On the contrary. I’m very interested in everything you do.’
Oh, my, this was assuming all the portents of a verbal clash.
‘Really?’ Rebekah didn’t appear to care, but Ana knew her sister too well. The question had to be whether Jace saw beneath the practised and protective fac¸ade.
‘You want to hear a florist’s day begins at four in the morning when she leaves for the city flower markets? If she arrives there later than five, all the quality blooms have already been bought.’
She held out her hands. ‘These are the major tools of our trade.’ She gave them a rueful glance. ‘They’re in water, they get cut, scratched, blistered, and retain permanent callouses. Gloves don’t work, they’re too unwieldy, and creams don’t begin to repair the damage. Forget manicures and nail polish.’ Her faint grimace held fleeting cynicism. ‘You want more?’
‘You’ve left out standing on your feet all day, and dealing with difficult customers. Deliveries that go to incorrect addresses?’ Jace drawled quizzically.
Rebekah chose silence, although Ana knew it cost her.
The food was delectable, and they ate with enjoyment.
‘How long are you staying in Sydney?’ Ana queried, directing her attention to Jace, whose home base was a private residence in New York’s fashionable Upper East Side.
‘As long as it takes to wrap up a few property deals. Has Luc told you I intend dragging him down to Melbourne day after tomorrow?’
‘Not yet.’
Jace’s smile held devilish humour. ‘Can you manage without him for a few nights?’
‘Easily.’
Luc caught hold of her hand and brought it to his lips. ‘You’re supposed to say no.’
His dark eyes held a lazy warmth that was wholly sensual, and she felt the answering kick of her pulse as it quickened in pace.
‘Really?’
Jace chuckled, and touched the rim of his wine glass to Ana’s water goblet. ‘Salute. I know of no other woman who would dare take Luc to task.’
‘My wife delights in deflating my ego.’
‘Count yourself fortunate, cousin.’
Ana caught Rebekah’s expressive eye-roll, and steered the conversation onto safer ground. ‘Let’s do dinner and the movies while Luc is away.’
‘Wednesday night?’
‘Done.’
‘Do I get to have a say?’ Luc queried mildly.
‘None whatsoever.’
‘Have Petros drive you.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
‘I could invite myself to stay over,’ Rebekah suggested.
‘Better,’ Luc acquiesced. ‘Petros still gets to be chauffeur.’
‘Remind me to hit you when we get home.’ She made the threat sound amusing, but there was no humour in the glance she cast him.
‘I’ll look forward to it.’
She couldn’t win, so why try? Except the banter kept things light, and Jace and Rebekah’s presence made for a pleasant evening.
It was after ten when they left the restaurant and drove home. Traffic was minimal, ensuring there were no delays at controlled intersections, and the lull provided a pleasant reminder the day was almost done.
‘What time are you leaving for Melbourne?’
‘Eager to be rid of me, pedhi mou?’
‘Must I answer that?’
Together they entered the house, and Ana climbed the stairs to the upper floor while Luc set the security alarm.
She was in bed and on the verge of sleep when he joined her, and she made no protest as he gathered her close.
His lips nuzzled the warm scented skin at the edge of her neck, then trailed a path up the sensitive cord to savour the lobe of her ear before tracing the line of her jaw.
She adored the feel of him, the hard muscle and sinew, the shape and contours of a body that was wholly male.
He made her come alive, as no man ever had, and the blood sang in her veins, heating her skin and activating every nerve cell until all her senses meshed and she became one throbbing entity.
Great sex. The best. For a while she lost herself in sensual euphoria, totally enraptured by the man who held her heart and captured her soul.
Ana glanced up at the sound of the electronic door buzzer, and her lips parted to form a warm smile. ‘Jace.’ Her greeting held genuine affection as he crossed to the counter. ‘How nice to see you.’
He leant forward and brushed his lips to her cheek. ‘And you, Ana.’
‘Is your visit business or pleasure?’
His dark eyes held humour. ‘One could say both.’
‘Rebekah has stepped out for a few minutes.’
‘Then I shall wait.’
Her grin was unrepentant. ‘Thought you might.’
‘Am I that transparent?’
She tilted her head a little, pretending to consider his mocking query. ‘You’re a Dimitriades,’ she answered lightly. ‘Transparency isn’t one of your traits. Playing the game is.’ Her expression sobered. ‘Take care with my sister.’
The amusement disappeared. ‘Or else you’ll come out fighting?’
‘Count on it.’
‘I consider myself duly warned.’
‘I don’t suppose you’re going to give me any hint of your intentions?’
‘No.’
‘Damn.’
He lifted a hand and tucked a stray tendril of hair back behind her ear. ‘I can see why my cousin put a ring on your finger.’
‘And that would be?’
‘To put you off-limits to other men.’
‘He might care to remember I put a ring on his finger.’
His gaze sharpened. ‘Problems, Ana?’
The telephone provided a welcome interruption, and she wrote down the verbal order, took credit-card details, then tended to a customer who walked in off the street.
Rebekah’s return coincided with another telephone call, and Ana dealt with it, aware that Luc’s cousin was intent on buying roses. At least two dozen, she determined as Rebekah gathered them together, then spread Cellophane paper on the work table and carefully positioned the blooms.
Just as Ana replaced the receiver, a man entered the shop, chose a prepared bouquet, then bought and paid for it.
Busy didn’t begin to describe it, and Ana checked the orders that should be ready for the delivery guy to collect on the late-morning run, glanced at the wall clock, and continued with preparations.
Whatever was happening between Rebekah and Jace reached a conclusion, and she acknowledged his ‘goodbye’ with a smile and watched as he exited the shop.
‘That man,’ Rebekah vented quietly as she joined Ana at the work table.
‘What about him?’
Rebekah consulted the order book, then retrieved tissue, Cellophane wrap, and skilfully selected carnations, baby’s breath. Nimble fingers spread them into an artistic display, and she caught ribbon from a stand of varied ribbon rolls, cut off a length and tied it within seconds.
‘He doesn’t understand the word no.’
‘Really?’
‘Do you know what he just did?’ Rebekah didn’t wait for an answer. ‘He bought three dozen roses, paid for them, wrote on a card, then handed them to me.’
‘Such an unforgivable sin,’ Ana declared, tongue-in-cheek, and incurred her sister’s glare. ‘What did the card say?’
“‘Dinner tonight. Seven.’”
‘Naturally you’re not going to go.’
‘Of course not.’
‘And you’ll be out when he calls.’
‘Got it in one.’
Ana put the completed bouquet to one side, perused the next order, and began assembling it. ‘Maybe you should share dinner with him—’
‘Are you insane?’
‘And tell him exactly what you think of him,’ she continued, ignoring Rebekah’s interruption.
‘If I didn’t know you cared,’ her sister declared with mocking cynicism, ‘I could almost imagine you want me to go out with him.’
‘Not all men are like Brad.’
‘Yeah, sure. Well, excuse me, but I don’t feel inclined to go through the bullshit just to find out.’
‘Jace is—’
‘Nice? Come on, sweetheart. Most men present a civil fac¸ade. At first,’ she qualified. ‘Then if you don’t deliver you get called every name under the sun. Mr nice guy becomes the octopus from hell.’ She drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. ‘And I’ve never been one for indiscriminate sex just for the sake of scratching an itch.’
‘So cocoon yourself in cotton wool and play it safe?’
‘Yes.’
It was an adamant reply, expected, and one she chose not to pursue. ‘OK.’
Rebekah slanted her sister a sharp glance. ‘Just OK? No verbal lecture?’
‘No.’
‘Now you’re pissing me off.’
‘You want to fight…go fight with someone else.’
‘Such as Jace? Over dinner?’
Ana hid a faint grimace as she observed the way her sister plucked blooms from numerous tubs. ‘The blooms don’t deserve to suffer.’
‘No, they don’t.’ Rebekah crossed to the counter and collected the bouquet of roses sitting there. ‘These can go back into stock.’
‘Jace has paid for them in good faith.’
‘So? I should just leave them there?’
‘Take them home.’
‘The hell,’ Rebekah declared inelegantly. ‘You take them home.’
‘They were a gift to you.’
‘They’re going back into stock.’
Ana paused, then quietly offered, ‘Don’t allow a mistake in the past cloud your chance of happiness in the future.’
‘With Jace Dimitriades? Are you nuts?’
‘Jace, personally,’ she pursued, ‘or any man?’
Rebekah opened her mouth, then closed it again. ‘Knowing what I went through with Brad, during and after the marriage, you’re suggesting I dive into shark-infested waters again?’
‘Sharks bite.’
‘And you don’t think Jace will?’
‘If he does, I know you’ll bite back.’
Rebekah threw up her hands, rolled her eyes in expressive disbelief, then burst into laughter. ‘I give up!’
‘Besides,’ Ana ventured with a hint of devilry. ‘If you bite, you might acquire a taste for him.’
‘Hah. And the cow jumped over the moon.’
They were saved from further cynicism by the simultaneous peal of the telephone and the door buzzer.
Business, Ana conceded, took priority. But it didn’t prevent the silent thought that Jace Dimitriades might be just who Rebekah needed to restore her faith in the male of the species.
It was mid-afternoon when Ana picked up her cellphone on the second ring, identified Luc’s private number on-screen and activated the call.
‘How do you feel about attending a movie première tonight?’
‘We’re talking gala event, or slipping quietly into a city theatre?’
‘Fox Studios.’
Definitely gala.
‘It slipped my mind until Caroline reminded me this morning.’
The ultra-efficient secretary who kept track of Luc’s business and social diary.
‘What time do we need to leave?’
‘Seven. Petros will have dinner ready at six. Try not to be late.’
For once she managed to get away from the shop ahead of time. Largely due to Rebekah’s prompting, and the help of their new assistant.
Choosing what to wear didn’t present a dilemma, and she plucked a delightful multi-layered gown from its hanger, spread it on the bed, and paused to admire the brilliant mix of deep blue and peacock-green. A luminous thread made the colours shimmer beneath the light. Exquisite for evening wear, it highlighted her blonde hair and matched her eyes.
‘What is the movie, and who are the lead actors?’ Ana queried en route to the studios.
‘The lead actress is an American-based Australian, so is the producer.’
Of course. She’d read about its upcoming release in numerous publicity slots on television. It promised to be colourful and amusing, as well as entertaining.
Parking wasn’t a problem, and they joined fellow guests entering the auditorium. Invitation only, it was a glamorous event with several city socialites and notables attending.
Celine’s presence was guaranteed. The only thing Ana could hope for was they were seated far apart.
Social mingling was a refined art, she mused as a fellow guest called Luc’s name. There were pleasantries to exchange, the occasional opinion that touched on business…and the need to have instant recall of a host of names.
She had to hand it to Luc…he didn’t appear to falter.
‘You possess an awesome memory,’ she murmured as they moved forward, and he cast her a musing look.
‘It’s an acquired skill.’
‘Very much part of business.’ She hadn’t meant an edge of cynicism to creep in.
‘An essential courtesy,’ he elaborated, his gaze sharpening as he caught the nervous slide of her fingers over the elegant beading of her evening bag.
‘I can promise she won’t get near you.’ His voice was calm, unruffled, and Ana cast him a startled glance.
‘You intend sticking to my side all night?’
A tinge of amusement momentarily softened his features. ‘Like glue.’
‘This could get interesting.’
His fingers threaded through her own. ‘I’m counting on it.’
‘United we stand?’
His expression sobered, and she caught a brief glimpse of the steely determination exigent. ‘Yes.’
So his aim was to present togetherness. Just how together did he intend them to portray?
Very, Ana conceded, half an hour later. The light brush of his fingers down her arm; the arm loosely circling her waist; the way his fingers sought her nape and effected a brief, soothing massage there; the way his palm rested between her shoulder blades and moved fractionally.
It represented a tactile reassurance as they stood conversing with fellow guests, and there was a part of her that wished it was for real.
Her body felt alive with evocative sensation, and she was almost willing to swear she could feel the blood course through her veins, activating all her nerve-ends.
Was it possible to tune in to someone to such a degree you felt you were meant to be like two halves of a whole? That only this person was your soul mate, never to be replaced by anyone else?
Love. Unconditional, abiding love. A gift without equal…beyond price. Reciprocal, it represented heaven on earth.
A light, fleeting touch to her lips caused her to start in surprise, and she was powerless to still the surge of emotion that rose from deep inside as she met Luc’s unfathomable gaze.
For a moment she was acutely vulnerable, and she caught her lower lip with the edge of her teeth to prevent their faint tremor.
Had he glimpsed what she tried so desperately to hide?
His finger traced the curve, lingered at its edge, then he lowered his mouth to hers in a sweet evocative kiss that was all too brief.
She felt her eyes widen, and her voice emerged as a shaky whisper. ‘What was that for?’
His smile completely disarmed her. ‘Because I wanted to.’
Oh, my. For a few heightened seconds she wasn’t conscious of anyone else. There was only Luc, and the moment.
Ana saw the inherent strength apparent, the integrity…and something else. Then it was gone, and she wondered if she’d imagined a quality beneath the slumbering passion evident.
Get a grip, she cautioned silently as she blinked rapidly to dispel the image. He’s merely playing a part.
There was a need to re-focus her attention, and she glanced idly round the auditorium, catching sight of a familiar face here and there…and found herself trapped in Celine’s gaze.
Venom was reflected there. Sheer, unadulterated hatred.
It was as if time hung suspended, and Ana unconsciously held her breath. She lifted a hand to her throat in protective self-defence, then sought to cover the gesture by touching the diamond pendant resting there.
Dear heaven. How could anyone be filled with such malevolence? Or be so possessed by an obsessive emotion that it led towards destruction?
A shiver of apprehension slithered down Ana’s spine. Premonition? But what? And where and when?
This was a civilised society, and Celine moved among the echelon of Sydney’s wealthy élite. Realistically, what damage could she cause?
It was one thing to be prone to envy and jealousy, but quite another to act on it.
‘Ana. Luc. How nice to see you here.’
Ana recognised the feminine voice and entered into conversation with one of the city’s society matrons whose untiring support to charity organisations was legendary.
It produced, as it was meant to, an invitation to an upcoming event during the following month.
‘You’re keeping well, Ana?’
A polite query, or had the woman heard news of her pregnancy? Word flew with the speed of lightning in the social set.
‘Fine, thank you.’
She was spared anything further by an announcement over the speaker system advising the guest stars had arrived and would soon be entering the auditorium.
Red carpet, security…light background music. It was all part of the hype and glamour of the evening.
As one, the invited guests turned towards the red carpet waiting for the first VIP to enter, and Ana felt Luc’s arms circle her waist as he drew her back against him.
His breath was warm as it fanned her cheek, and she gave in to temptation and leaned in to him, exulting in the way his arms tightened a little.
Held like this, she could almost imagine everything was right in their marriage. That he adored her, and nothing, no one could come between them.
To know, irrevocably, the night and every night for the rest of their lives would end with a shared intimacy that was uniquely theirs…
A reverent hush was heard through the auditorium as the first star guest appeared at the head of the red carpet, followed soon after by another.
The female lead was exquisitely dressed, her long hair beautifully styled, make-up expertly applied, and a figure to die for.
Recent emotional tragedy had marred her life, but it was undetectable in her smile, her soft laughter, the way she crossed from one side of the red carpet to the other as she paused to greet guests who’d come to see her.
As an actress, she was superb, and Ana silently applauded her in admiration for her ability to put her personal life aside in public.
The lead actor followed, and he was charm personified as he worked the room, doing his job for the publicity machine.
The usual entourage appeared, together with the director and producer, then they were through and the invited guests were encouraged to take their seats.
Celine, Ana was relieved to see, was seated three rows to their left, and she felt herself relax as the lights dimmed and the curtain swept open.
Throughout the film she was conscious of Luc’s close proximity. The warmth of his hand as he held her own, the shared glance and quiet laughter when a pertinent clip stirred the audience.
The film ran a little over two hours, and there was a collective sigh when the credits began to roll, followed by applause.
It had, Ana admitted, been an entertaining experience, and one she’d enjoyed. She said so as the lights came on, and they joined guests in a slow-moving queue departing the cinema.
Tea, coffee, champagne were being offered in the auditorium, encouraging guests to linger and discuss the film.
Would Celine elect to join them there? It seemed impossible to imagine she wouldn’t, and Ana sipped tea as she waited for the moment her nemesis would intrude.
Except the minutes slipped by to become several, and there was no sign of her. Unusual. Definitely unusual. Celine was not one to miss an opportunity!
‘Ready to leave?’
Ana caught Luc’s quiet drawl, and inclined her head. ‘Whenever you are.’
It took a while to slip free and leave the auditorium, for there were acquaintances, friends whom they paused to speak to…but no Celine. Had she already left?
The Mercedes whispered through the city streets, and Ana let her thoughts drift to speculate on Rebekah’s date with Jace Dimitriades.
Had it been successful? She fervently hoped so. Tomorrow she’d discover the details…
Luc traversed the New South Head road to suburban Vaucluse, then he turned the car into the sweeping drive leading to their home.
Minutes later they entered the foyer and took the stairs to their suite.
Luc closed the door behind them, then crossed the room to her side. With infinite care he unclasped the pendant at her nape and placed it on a nearby pedestal, then his hands closed over her shoulders as he turned her round to face him.
Ana was powerless against the softness of his mouth as it caressed her own, his touch an evocative supplication as it teased and tasted in a manner that melted her bones.
His tongue took a low, sweet sweep, tantalising with the promise of what would follow, and she angled her mouth to his, seeking deeper exploration in the prelude to passion.
With evident reluctance he lifted his head and sought the zip fastening of her gown, sliding it free so the soft fabric fell at her feet in a silken heap.
The absence of a bra had proven a provocation all evening, and the thought of freeing her smooth breasts, weighing them in his hands, caressing them with his mouth, the edge of his teeth, had almost driven him wild.
Did she have any idea how heart-stoppingly beautiful she was? Not just in body, but of heart and soul?
So generous and giving, she was part of him, and he sought to show her with his hands, his mouth, exulting in her sultry moan as he took her high, only to emit a husky groan as he helped her tear his clothes free to allow her the same privilege.
Ana loved the taste of his skin, the faint male muskiness, and the light sheen of sensual heat that rose as she trailed her mouth to his shaft and savoured there.
Too soon he dragged her up against him, kissing her deeply as he carefully pulled her onto the bed, and his loving became the sweetest she’d ever known. Power and gentleness. Acute sensuality and hunger. Together they meshed as one in an intoxicating ravishment that was all-consuming. Mesmeric.
After-play was inevitably the sweetest, the slow drift of hands, the soft touch of lips…the languor of complete satiation.
Tomorrow he would leave for Melbourne. Three days, two nights. She’d miss him…dreadfully.