The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1153

His throat tightened. He slowly bowed his head, his lips inching closer to hers.

Hertha's breathing was ragged, her mind a mushy mess. As Alaric's lips drew near, she swallowed hard and closed her eyes slowly.

Seeing her with eyes shut, eyelids fluttering like butterfly wings, her breathing heavy and erratic, Alaric knew she was nervous.

His lips brushed against hers.

Hertha felt his breath fan across the bridge of her nose, the undeniable masculine scent overpowering her senses, sending her heartbeat into a frenzy.

Alaric's lips grazed hers, and Hertha shivered, sweat beads forming on her forehead.

But Alaric's kiss didn't linger. It was just a brush against her lips before he whispered teasingly in her ear, "Thinking of turning this act into reality?"

His low murmur tickled Hertha's ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Her heart skipped a beat; her eyes flew open and saw his playful gaze.

Embarrassed and furious, she kicked out and sent him tumbling off the bed.

"Alaric, you jerk!" Hertha exclaimed, sitting up quickly.

Having felt the impact against his leg, Alaric had rolled off the bed on his own. He sat on the floor with a mischievous grin on his face. "So you're really going all out for the bed, huh? Fine, it's yours. I'll crash on the floor."

He was used to sleeping alone, which was boring. Now with someone to challenge him for the bed, he couldn't resist the temptation to tease Hertha, ready to concede the bed if she gave in.

He'd never met a woman as funny as her. His usual flings were always so compliant, afraid to cross him. They were utterly dull.

The floor was carpeted with soft wool. It wasn't cold to sleep on in summer.