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“I could,” she teased. “If you misbehave again…”

He neared her even more, grabbing her by the wrists, making it impossible for her to move. Their lips were inches apart, yet neither initiated the kiss yet.

“And now?” he asked in a low, rumbling whisper. “What will I do with you if you misbehave, siren?”

“Take me, make me yours again and again…” she replied seductively, her eyes sparkling with sheer need for him.

“I have to taste you first,” he said as she bit her lip through a smile.

He buried his face between her legs, his lips taking her all in, making her even wetter than she already was. Wet, mad and utterly in love with this man. He slid his finger inside of her, his tongue teasing her, circling her throbbing flesh, until a million little stars exploded right in her field of vision. She moanedloudly, gripping a handful of his hair, keeping him in place as his tongue slid inside of her, lapping up her juices.

She was still trembling when he towered above her, unbuttoning his trousers and releasing his rock-solid manhood from the constraint.

“I need to be inside of you,” she heard him say, and the words drove her mad with desire.

He slid inside of her slowly, completely, feeling her wet heat engulf him completely. He was stretching her deliciously, so hot, as she clung to him. He moved harder and harder—there was nothing gentle about the way he was claiming her. And she wouldn’t be able to endure his tenderness. She wanted him whole. She wanted him rough. She wanted to feel him throbbing inside of her, his juices leaking out of her.

Desire emanated from him, pounding through him and into her. She wanted to remain in that moment for all eternity, being one with him, belonging to him. His hips undulated against her, brushing against her pearl with every thrust, creating friction that quickly brought her to the edge once again.

He groaned against her lips as they shared more feverish kisses wherever they could land them. She came undone so easily, so quickly as her entire body trembled, welcoming him. A moment later, he followed, his body tightening, only to explode deep inside of her, emptying himself on another groan. His forehead dipped to hers as he breathed heavily, waiting for the onslaught of bliss to subside.

Although they had made love a few times, every time was new, and every experience was new. And the same was true with his kisses. She felt as if her lips were exploring his every time, finding something new to be thrilled about.

He held her close as he lay down next to her, just like before. She had no more fear that he would go away, disappear in the night. They were entangled by their emotions now which although confusing, were slowly starting to make sense now. Words failed them so many times, but their bodies never did. Their kisses never did.

She closed her eyes, laying her head on his shoulder, inhaling deeply. She didn’t speak, and neither did he. She fell asleep soon after, listening to the soft drumming of his heart, hoping that it was beating for her.

CHAPTER 29

Jonathan realized that he slept best when he had Ciara in his arms. With his eyes still closed, he felt a sense of contentment settling over him. He reached out, expecting to find her beside him, but the bed was empty. He sat up, frowning slightly. Where could she be?

He quickly dressed and made his way through the house, checking each room as he went. The drawing room, the library, the breakfast room—all were empty. His concern grew with each passing minute until he finally heard a soft, melodic voice coming from the music room.

He approached quietly, pushing the door open just enough to see inside. There she was, standing by the window, bathed in the morning light. Her back was to him, and she was softly singing to herself, a hauntingly beautiful Irish melody that sent a shiver down his spine.

Jonathan stood in the doorway, mesmerized. Her voice was like nothing else he had ever heard before—pure, clear, and filledwith an emotion that touched him deeply. He watched as she swayed slightly with the music, lost in her own world.

He took a step forward, unable to stay away any longer. The floor creaked under his weight, and she turned, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Jonathan,” she said, a smile spreading across her face. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” he replied, his voice hushed with awe. “Your voice… I was mesmerized the first time I heard it by the pond, but every time I hear you sing, I… I feel more and more enchanted by it.”

Ciara blushed, looking down shyly. “Thank you. It’s just something I do when I’m alone. My grandmother used to sing to me when I was little, so singing makes me remember her and the happy moments we spent together.”

“It’s beautiful,” he said, stepping closer. “You’re beautiful.”

Her blush deepened, and she looked up at him, her eyes shining with affection. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t,” he assured her, reaching out to take her hand. “But I’m glad I found you here. Hearing you sing—every time—is like discovering a hidden treasure.”

She laughed softly, a musical sound that made his heart skip a beat. “You have a way with words, Jonathan.”

He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. “I mean every word,” he said, his voice serious. “You’re amazing, Ciara. Every day, you show me something new to be in awe about you.”

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the morning light enveloping them in a golden glow. Jonathan pressed a kiss to her forehead, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the woman in his arms.

“Will you sing for me again?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.