Chapter 138
I continued to lie still, pretending to be asleep as I heard Caspar enter the bedroom.
The subtle scent of his shower gel reached me first, followed by a whisper of warmth and moisture that suggested he’d showered in another
bathroom
The mattress dipped slightly as he slid under the covers, and the lamp clefed off, plunging the room into darkness.
Despite the massive king–sized bed, I was acutely aware of his presence mere inches away.
For several minutes, we both maintained our positions, an invisible line seemingly drawn down the center of the bed.
1 focused on keeping my breathing slow and even, though my heart was racing.
Just as I was beginning to relax, thinking he might have fallen asleep, I felt his arm slide around my waist.
His touch was gentle but deliberate as he pulled me closer. I remained rigid, still committed to my charade of sleep.
“I know you’re awake, Audrey,” Caspar whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I didn’t respond, stubbornly maintaining my act.
“Your breathing changes when you’re truly asleep,” he continued, amusement evident in his voice.
And you’re holding yourself too stiffly p>
His fingers traced light patterns on my wrist, sending little sparks of electricity through my body.
“How long do you plan to keep this up p>
Finally accepting defeat, I turned to face him.
In the dim moonlight filtering through the curtains, I could just make out his features–the sharp line of his jaw, the curve of his lips.
“Fine,” I conceded. “I’m awake p>
“Gave up on the performance?‘ His voice held a teasing note. “And here I thought you were determined to pretend all night p>
I studied his face, noticing how relaxed he seemed.
‘How are you not nervous about this? About us sharing a bed p>
A soft smile played across his lips.
“Because I’ve imagined this moment a thousand times in my mind p>
Something about his honesty, the vulnerability beneath his confident exterior, made my heart flutter.
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Chapter 138
I found myself staring at his lips as they formed those heartfelt words.
Before I could overthink it, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his.
When I pulled back slightly, I whispered, “Did you imagine that too p>
For a moment, Caspar looked genuinely stunned, his eyes widening in surprise.
Then his expression shifted, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.
“You started this, Audrey p>
In one fluid motion, he pulled me closer, his hand sliding to the small of my back.
“But I’ll finish it p>
His mouth found mine again, more insistent this time.
The tentative sweetness of our first kiss transformed into something deeper, more primal.
We were both fully present, completely aware of every touch, every whispered word.
There was no haze of alcohol, no confusion–just us, choosing each other with clear minds and open hearts.
Each caress felt like a confession, each kiss a promise.
His fingers tangled in my hair as mine explored the hard planes of his chest, the boundary between us dissolving with each passing second.
The moonlight painted shadows across our intertwined forms as whispered confessions and soft sighs filled the darkness around us.
I woke slowly the next morning, cocooned in warmth.
As consciousness returned, I realized I was nestled against Caspar’s chest, his arms wrapped securely around me.
I tried to shift away, suddenly self–conscious in the harsh light of day, but his arms tightened.
“Running away already?” he murmured, voice rough with sleep.
“Just stretching, I lied, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
“Hmm.” He didn’t sound convinced. “Feeling shy now, after last night p>
I buried my face against his shoulder. “Stop p>
“Why? You started it, and I thought last night was rather… memorable p>
His hand stroked lazily up and down my spine.
the
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Chapter 138
Finding some semblance of my usual composure, I lifted my head to meet his gaze, ‘It was… adequate p>
His eyebrows shot up. “Adequate? ”
“Yes,” I continued, fighting to keep my expression neutral.
“On a scale of one to ten, I’d say… a solid six p>
A dangerous gleam appeared in his eyes. “Is that so p>
His voice dropped to a low rumble.
“Perhaps I should provide a refresher, just to see if I can improve my score
As his head dipped toward mine, I quickly backtracked.
“Fine! Ten! Definitely a ten p>
Caspar laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “That’s more like it p>
We lay together in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I remembered my plans for the day.
I need to go see Margaret this morning p>
“How is she doing p>
“Better, but still weak. I promised I’d visit regularly.” I nestled in his arms.
“And I’m meeting Clara tonight. She and Finley are back from Chicago p>
“Would you like me to join you?” Caspar asked, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my shoulder.
I hesitated. “I was planning to catch up with her one–on–one p>
“Has she heard about us yet?” There was a careful neutrality in his tone that caught my attention.
“Not yet,” I admitted. “It all happened so quickly p>
A flash of insecurity flickered across his face.
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“Are you serious about this, Audrey? About us?” His voice was quiet.
The vulnerability in his question made my heart squeeze.
This wasn’t the intimidating “King C” that all of Wall Street feared–this was just a man, uncertain about where he stood with the woman he cared for.
“Of course I’m serious,” I said softly, reaching up to touch his face.
“I just haven’t had the chance to tell her yet p>
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Chapter 138
I assured him. Til tell Clara tonight p>
He nodded, seeming satisfied, and we began our day.
At the hospital, Margaret looked slightly better than during my last visit.
Some color had returned to her cheeks, though she still appeared fragile ainst the white hospital linens.
You look happy,” she observed, her keen eyes missing nothing.
I smiled, taking her hand. “I am p>
Because of Caspar, isn’t it?” A knowing smile played at her lips.
Before I could respond, she lowered her voice.
“Have you told him about the baby? About what happened p>
I haven’t hidden it from him,” I clarified.
Margaret nodded slowly.
“Better he hears it from you than from one of the Baileys who’d twist it to hurt you p>
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ATA Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.