The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 2003

"Do you even have to ask?" Alaric said.

"Please, who knows women better than another woman?" Hertha rolled her eyes at him and strutted ahead.

"Guess it's back to the clean-cut look for me then. Can't have you disliking it," Alaric followed her.

"Alaric, how many more times do I have to tell you, we're just frien—!" Hertha turned around, annoyance creasing her forehead, about to remind him they were just friends.

Before she could finish, Alaric cupped her face, pulling her closer, and her lips were suddenly captured in a kiss.

Her breath hitched, eyes widening. Up close, Alaric’s face was magnified, his eyes like shimmering orbs of crystal, so pure they seemed to pull her in.

And his eyelashes, long and curled, were a sight to behold.

How could a man’s eyes be so beautiful?

Lost in thought, Hertha felt the kiss deepen, stealing her breath, conquering and claiming.

The stirring sensation was like the warmth of spring, intoxicating.

Her body temperature rose along with it.

Her heartbeat quickened, feeling Alaric's breath on her face, strong and scorching.

It was like that night three years ago, almost merging into one.

Her body, betraying her outward disdain for Alaric, heated up uncontrollably at his proximity, craving more.

It was a helpless yet irresistible feeling.

Hertha’s grip on the hem of Alaric’s shirt tightened as the kiss deepened, her whole body tensing up.