The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 131

8:49 am

PPP.

The Forbidden Throb

Chapter 131

Emma’s POV:

SH

The warmth from the mulled wine spread through my chest, loosening something that had been wound tight for weeks.

Daniel stood slowly, unfolding to his full height.

He was still in his coat, the cashmere draped over one arm, his navy tie loosened at the collar. The warm hotel lighting caught the angles of his face-the sharp line of his jaw, the slight furrow between his brows.

“Emma, you are drunk.”

My free hand shot out, fingers closing around the silk of his tie.

I pulled.

Hard.

Daniel stumbled forward half a step, surprise flashing across his features.

His coat slipped from his arm to the floor. The mistletoe trembled in my other hand, its leaves crushing against my palm, the sap sticky and cold against my skin. A drop fell onto my amethyst bracelet, catching the light.

“I’m not drunk,” I said, and my voice was steadier now. Stronger. “I just… I can’t stop thinking about kissing you.”

His pupils dilated. His lips parted slightly.

I didn’t give him time to respond.

I rose onto my toes and pressed my mouth to his.

His lips were cool. Soft. For one terrible, endless moment, he didn’t move.

I pulled back abruptly, my fingers releasing his tie.

The silk slipped through my grasp, hanging loose against his chest. The entryway light flickered off, leaving only the warm glow Bum the bedroom sconces

Outside the floor to ceiling windows, snow fell in soft, endless spirals over the Seine the suite was so quiet I could bear both our breathing

My hands twisted together in front of me

I know we’ve only been married two months, I said, the words tumbling out in a rush We don’t really know each other that well But) really will try to be good to you I promise

The confession felt clumsy, inadequate Heat flooded my cheeks

1.3

3:49 am

Chapter 131

PPP.

I’m-I’m a complete disaster at this. At love. I forced myself to meet his eyes, even though my vision was blurring at the edges. I just wanted you to know. That’s all. I’m not… I’m not expecting anything back.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. So please, don’t feel burdened. I just needed to say it.”

Silence stretched between us like spun glass-fragile, ready to shatter.

Daniel stood perfectly still, his dark eyes fixed on my face. His tie hung askew, his coat forgotten on the floor somewhere behind us.

The only sign of disturbance was the rapid rise and fall of his chest, the slight flush across his cheekbones.

Then he moved.

His hand came up to cup the back of my head, fingers sliding into my hair, and he kissed me back.

Not gently. Not carefully.

Like he’d been holding back for far too long.

The mistletoe slipped from my fingers. His heart hammered beneath my palms-fast, urgent, alive. My own pulse roared in my ears.

When we finally broke apart, I was gasping. My lips felt swollen. Tender.

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