Page 84 of Her Royal Christmas

Heat built slowly between them, like a tide rising.

Alex’s fingers slid into Erin’s hair, tilting her head, deepening the kiss.

Erin made a soft sound she hadn’t made in months — a low, wanting hum from the centre of her chest — and Alex shivered in response.

“You taste like warmth,” Alex murmured against her lips.

“You taste like home,” Erin whispered back.

Alex’s breath hitched again, and Erin took advantage of that moment, kissing her deeper, pressing her tongue into Alex’s mouth and enjoying her moan in response — slow, sure, intentional.

Alex melted.

Erin felt her soften, then ignite.

The kiss shifted from soft to hungry in a heartbeat — months of longing threading through it, months of missed chances, months of exhaustion and love and ache all pouring into it.

Alex climbed into Erin’s lap without breaking the kiss. Erin’s hands found her waist instinctively, gripping gently as heat curled low in her stomach.

Alex’s mouth parted under hers, inviting, warm.

Erin’s pulse thundered.

Alex whispered against her lips, “Erin…”

Erin pulled back just enough to look at her. Alex’s cheeks were flushed, her lips swollen, her eyes dark with want and something deeper — trust.

“Let’s take our time,” Erin murmured. “I want to feel everything.”

Alex nodded, exhale trembling. “Yes. Please.”

Erin lifted her hand and brushed a thumb over Alex’s lower lip, memorising the softness. Then she leaned in and kissed her again — slower, deeper, tasting warmth and gratitude and years of love layered into every movement.

Alex’s hands explored Erin’s shoulders, her neck, the familiar shape of her body. Each touch lit Erin up from the inside.

Clothes began to loosen — buttons undone, jumpers slipped off, the soft sound of breath catching in quiet moments.

None of it rushed.

None of it careless.

It was deliberate.

Tender.

Starved.

Alex kissed down Erin’s jaw, over her throat, whispering words that made Erin’s chest ache.

“I love you.”

“I’ve missed you.”

“You’re mine.”

“I want you.”

“Stay with me.”