Page 9

I n the dim light of the bathroom, I pressed Rosie against the cool marble of the countertop, my hands gripping her soft curves as I claimed her mouth with mine.

The taste of her was intoxicating, the sweetness was uniquely Rosie, and I found myself craving more.

Her lips parted beneath mine, allowing me to deepen the kiss, my tongue exploring her mouth as if she already knew she was mine and mine alone.

She gasped softly, her fingers digging into my shoulders, and I took advantage of her surprise to lift her onto the counter.

Her eyes widened as I stepped between her thighs, the skirt of her sundress riding up to accommodate me.

The sight of her, flushed and breathless, was almost enough to make me lose control.

"Aldaine," her voice was barely audible.

I could see the questions in her eyes, the uncertainty warring with desire.

I didn't give her time to overthink it. I captured her mouth again, my hands sliding up her thighs, pushing her dress higher.

Her skin was soft and warm, inviting my touch, and I couldn't resist trailing my fingers along the edge of her panties.

I wanted to dig my fingers into her skin and make sure others could see my marks on her skin.

She moaned into my mouth, her hips arching slightly, seeking more contact.

It was a sound that sent a surge of heat straight to my cock and I had to fight to keep my demonic nature in check.

I wanted to take her right there, to claim her in the most primal way possible, but I knew I had to be gentle.

She was human, fragile, and she didn't yet understand the depth of the bond between us.

I broke the kiss, only to trail my lips down her neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin.

She let out a soft cry, her head falling back to give me better access.

Her hands were in my hair, tugging gently, urging me on.

I could feel her heart racing, her breath coming in quick gasps, and it was music to my ears.

My hands continued their exploration, sliding up her sides, just teasing the edges of her breasts.

She shivered at the touch, her nipples hardening beneath the thin fabric of her dress.

I couldn't resist. I cupped her breast, my thumb rubbing over the taut peak, and she let out a moan that was pure torture.

"Rosie," I growled, my voice barely recognizable. "You're driving me mad."

She looked at me, her eyes glazed with desire, her lips swollen from my kisses. "Aldaine," her voice a plea. "Please."

I didn't need to be told twice. I captured her mouth again, my hands roaming over her body, touching, teasing, claiming.

Her legs wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer and I could feel the heat of her through the thin fabric of her panties.

It was maddening, intoxicating, and I knew I was dangerously close to not being able to stop.

My fingers found the edge of her panties again, and this time, I didn't hesitate. I slipped my hand inside, my fingers finding her hot and wet and ready. She cried out, her hips bucking against my hand.

"Aldaine," she gasped, her nails digging into my skin. "Please, I can't. I need-!"

I knew what she needed. I could feel it in the way her body responded to mine, in the way her heart raced in time with my own. I slipped a finger inside her, my thumb finding her clit, and she let out a cry that was pure ecstasy.

Her body clenched around me, her hips moving in time with my hand, and I knew she was close. I could feel it in the way her muscles tensed, in the way her breath hitched in her throat. I wanted to see her come undone, to watch her as she gave in to the pleasure I was giving her.

But just as she was about to go over the edge, a loud knock sounded at the door of the room. We both froze, our breaths coming in ragged gasps, our hearts pounding in sync.

"Rosie?" a voice called from the other side of the door. It was her father, and the concern in his voice was like a bucket of cold water. "Are you alright in there?"

Rosie looked at me, her eyes wide with panic. I pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for her to be quiet. I could feel her heart racing, her body trembling with unspent desire, and I knew I had to do something to calm her down.

I slipped my hand out of her panties, my fingers still slick with her arousal. I brought them to my mouth, tasting her, and her eyes widened in shock. I winked at her, a slow smile spreading across my face, and I could see the blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Just a moment, Dad," she called out, her voice surprisingly steady. "I'll be right out."

I helped her down from the counter, smoothing her dress back into place. She looked up at me, her eyes still filled with desire, but also with something else. Gratitude, perhaps, or maybe even a hint of affection. I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, my hands cupping her face.

"We'll continue this later," I promised, my voice low and husky. "For now, let's go face the music."

She nodded, her hand reaching up to touch my cheek. "Thank you, Aldaine. For everything."

I captured her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Always, little minx. Always."

As we stepped out of the bathroom, I could feel the weight of the world settling back onto my shoulders.

Because she was mine, I would do anything to protect her. Even if it meant playing the part of the perfect boyfriend, the charming investor, the man who had fallen head over heels for the beautiful, brave, and kind-hearted Rosie Thompson. Which wasn't far from the truth.

As Rosie opened the door, her father glanced at me before looking back at her.

"You left the lunch so fast, I was worried. Are you alright?" Her father seemed to genuinely care for her, even if he was blind to the way his wife and stepdaughter treated her.

I kept my arm wrapped securely around Rosie's waist, feeling the way she subtly leaned into my touch. Her body was still warm, still slightly shaking with the remnants of our interrupted moment, and it took considerable control not to drag her back into the bedroom and finish what we'd started.

"I'm fine, Dad," Rosie assured him, her voice steadier than I expected given the circumstances. "The drive was just longer than I remembered. I needed a moment to freshen up."

Denis nodded but I could see the concern hadn't entirely left his eyes. He was worried about her, which earned him a few points in my book. Though not enough to make up for his obvious blindness to how his wife and stepdaughter treated his daughter.

"Why don't you both join me in my study?" he offered, gesturing down the hallway. "We could have a drink, or perhaps some coffee? It would give us a chance to talk properly, get to know each other better."

I felt Rosie tense slightly against me. The invitation seemed innocent enough, but I could sense her hesitation.

Whether it was because she was still affected by our intimate moment or because she wasn't ready for an interrogation from her father, I couldn't be sure. Either way, I decided to step in.

"I apologize, sir," I brought my free hand up to massage my temple for effect.

"I'm afraid I'm developing one of my migraines.

Rosie just promised to help me deal with it.

" I glanced down at her with what I hoped was an appropriately apologetic expression.

"She's discovered that her particular brand of TLC works wonders. "

Rosie's cheeks flushed beautifully at my words and I had to resist the urge to kiss her again. The way she bit her lower lip wasn't helping matters.

"Oh," Denis looked concerned. "Of course, I understand completely. Migraines can be terrible things."

"We'll join you for dinner later though, Dad," Rosie jumped in. "Maybe we could catch up properly then?"

Her father's face brightened at that. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Dinner's usually served at seven in the dining room." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Though I should warn you, Jan has invited some of the wedding party to join us."

I felt Rosie tense again, but I squeezed her waist gently in reassurance. Whatever her stepmother had planned, I would be there to handle it. No one would make my mate feel uncomfortable, not while I was around.

"We'll be there," I assured him, already planning how to make the evening work in our favor. "For now, though, I think I need to take advantage of your daughter's healing touch."

Denis nodded, though I noticed his cheeks color slightly at my suggestive tone. Good. Let him think what he wanted. The more convinced everyone was of our relationship, the better.

"Feel better," he started to turn away. "And Rosie? I'm glad you're here, sweetheart."

I waited until Denis had disappeared down the hallway before turning to Rosie. Her green eyes were wide as they met mine, a mix of relief and lingering desire swirling in their depths.

"Migraine?" her lips twitching with amusement.

I leaned down, brushing my lips against her ear. "Would you rather I told him the truth? That I needed to get you alone so I could finish what we started in the bathroom?"

Her sharp intake of breath was all the answer I needed. Without another word, I guided her toward our room, already anticipating the pleasure of having her all to myself again. We had a few hours until dinner, and I intended to make the most of them.