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My skin tingles as a startled breath passes my lips. My heart begins to race, and I’m hit with a wave of heat that has nothing to do with the humid, southern air.

Encouraged by my reaction, Henrik tugs me toward him, dropping my arm but keeping my hand in his. He lowers his mouth to my shoulder, dropping a sweet kiss to my skin just next to the neckline of the dress, and then he repeats the process at the crook of my neck.

Little, nippy kisses, none lasting more than a second—each more surprising than the last.

I’m frozen in place, barely able to remember to breathe. Quite frankly, I’m a little worried I’m hallucinating—but even my dreams cut off before this point. They’re either getting better, or this is real.

“Henrik…” I whisper.

He presses his lips to my throat, just under the side of my jaw. He then angles his head back to study my face, almost as if he’s deciding where to kiss next. I stare at the handsome commander, lips parted, my stomach fluttering like mad. I’ve never felt so exhilarated in my life.

Finally, he drops a kiss to my forehead…and then my cheek…

Just when I’m sure I’m going to die, he whispers, “Close your eyes, Clover.”

Immediately, I do as he asks, remembering a time not so long ago when I requested he do the same.

“I believe you,” he whispers. “I trust you. And I will protect you at all costs.”

And then his mouth is against mine, and our lips meet in a kiss that causes me to fist my hand in the fabric of his tunic. It only lasts a few perfect seconds, but in that brief time, he claims the whole of my heart. It’s now Henrik’s to cherish or break—I relinquish all control. It’s in his hands.

I’d give up a crown, I’d live in a shack—I’d do anything for a chance to be loved by this man. Anything as long as it doesn’t destroy his life in the process.

And for the first time in weeks, I’m filled with truehope.

When we part, I slowly open my eyes. Henrik looks at me like he never has before—like he’s finally let me past his defenses.

“We crossed the line,” I whisper.

He nods solemnly. “And I have no intention of giving you up.”

I throw my arms around his shoulders, holding him tightly.

He returns the embrace, and after a moment, he drops his face to my shoulder. Against my skin, he murmurs, “You used the same soap.”

“You don’t like it?” I ask, squirming because his words tickle.

“It smells good on you.” He then kisses the crook of my neck once more. He lingers this time, startling me when he skims his teeth ever so gently over my skin. “Good enough to eat.”

These kisses are neither nippy nor sweet, but something altogether different. They light a fire in my core, making me want more.

“Henrik,” I breathe, arching my neck to the side as he makes his way up my throat. “I didn’t realize you were such a tease.”

He laughs against my skin. “What am I depriving you of?”

“Kiss me like you promised that night on the rock,” I beg. “Steal my breath and make me see stars.”

He pulls back, studying me. Slowly, he drifts his fingers up my sides, barely touching me. Through the thin gown, I feel every exploratory stroke.

“That’s a dangerous request,” he says in a dark tone I’ve never heard him use before.

My stomach clenches with expectation. “Why?”

“Because the others have likely left to tour the estate, which means they won’t be looking for you for hours.”

“You don’t trust yourself?” I tease.

He shakes his head, smiling as his lips hover close to mine. “I’ve strengthened my willpower my entire life, Lady Clover. I’m worried aboutyou.”