Page 40 of One Naughty Christmas Night

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Victoria’s green eyes rounded. “Why?”

“You’ll see.”

He took her hand and guided her inside, going through his father’s study instead of the ballroom.

“They won’t miss us,” he said, opening the door and pulling her inside.

They made their way to the parlor, ensuring that no one saw them on the way.

They entered the room, brightly lit with candles; the tree bathed in light.

“Look how lovely it is,” she whispered, fingering a branch.

“Not as lovely as you,” he replied, leaning against the chair.

She spun around, her brows raised high.

He took her hand and pulled her to stand between his legs, cupping her face in one hand, the other on her back.

“You are so beautiful, Victoria,” he whispered, feathering kisses over her face. “Beautiful, kind, and sweet.”

He stared at her face, her lips so plump, her eyes the grassiest green.

I love you.

He almost said it aloud, but he wasn’t sure. He knew he loved her, but he wasn’t sure how she felt.

Maybe she would grow to love me?

She already loved him as a friend, and friendship could turn to love.

She leaned close to him and kissed him, sliding her arms around his waist, drawing him into the kiss and away from his thoughts.

Desire skated across his already taut body, his staff hardening against her belly.

He felt her smile against his lips, and one of her hands slipped down his chest to his trousers, cupping his shaft in her hand.

Heath growled against her lips, staying as still as he could so she wouldn’t get frightened as she rubbed him through the fabric.

Reaching between them, he released his shaft from the tight constraints.

Victoria wrapped her hand fully around him and stroked, bending his control.

He broke their kiss and buried his face in the hollow of her neck, her hands bringing him desperately close to breaking. His body tightened, and he grabbed her hand, stalling her.

Stepping away from her, he dropped onto the couch.

“Come here,” he commanded. Victoria came to stand between his legs, and he adjusted his trousers, then slipped her dress up her legs.

“Kneel on the couch, on either side of my legs,” he said, assisting her into this new position.

Once she was seated, he slipped his hand beneath the silk, finding her warm and ready for him. He dipped one finger inside her, and she gasped, holding onto his shoulders to keep herself steady.

“Here,” he whispered, maneuvering her warmth over him.

Placing one hand on her hip and the other on his staff, he guided her down onto him.