The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1636

The touch against his cheek was soft and sweet, sending a rush of excitement that made Alaric tighten his grip around Hertha's waist in an attempt to steady the overwhelming emotions threatening to burst free. Heat flushed his face.

Hertha, with her cheek pressed to Alaric's, felt the warmth radiating from him like a scorching kettle, burning against her skin. A pang of excitement shot through her, electrifying her from head to toe. Her body stiffened, toes almost curling.

She was only trying to avoid her mother's probing gaze and preserve her dignity, never anticipating this near miss. Her heartbeat skyrocketed, "thump, thump," with her cheeks turning crimson. Nervous, at a loss, and excited, her hands clung tightly around Alaric's neck. Their embrace grew even more suggestive.

Kimberly, having seen it all before, instantly knew what was up. The pair seemed barely able to contain themselves. Had she not been there, they might have already retreated to the bedroom. Tsk, tsk, these kids, not even married and already not caring about anything but their moment of joy.

Kimberly, speechless, took a deep breath and said, "How long do you plan to keep this up? I'm still here, or do you intend to treat me like I'm invisible and carry on?"

Jolted, Hertha realized she was still holding onto Alaric and quickly let go, even pushing him slightly, trying to distance herself from any implied intimacy. But her actions were as telling as if admitting to a hidden treasure. Alaric, too, felt awkward but didn't dwell on the minor push.

He straightened up, sat up properly, adjusted his shirt collar, wiped the corner of his mouth, and flashed Kimberly a mischievous smile: "We didn't know you were home."

"Oh, please. If you knew, you'd probably have booked a hotel," Kimberly cut him off. "I don't usually stay here. Just had a whim to drop by today, and what do I find? Quite the spectacle. Lucky me," Kimberly mocked.