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“What a pleasant surprise,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

“I don’t know if I can sleep,” she admitted as he moved toward her.

“We need to get up early tomorrow,” Gideon coaxed, standing directly in front of her. He tucked a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “You need to rest.”

“I know, but the more I think about it, the more nervous I become.” She chewed on her lower lip, her gaze uncertain.

He took her hands in his, his eyes falling to her reddened lips. “Perhaps you need a distraction.”

“A distraction?”

“Like this,” he said, lowering his head and kissing her lightly.

“I missed you,” he murmured against her lips.

“I was with you all day,” she replied in a breathy whisper.

His arm snaked around her waist. “That wasn’t enough.”

She lifted onto her toes, her palms gliding up his chest before clasping behind his neck, drawing him down into a slow, languid kiss. Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging him closer. The kiss deepened as she touched her tongue to his.

He groaned, angling her head for better access, his tongue devouring her mouth—wild, desperate, hungry for more. Gideon pulled her closer and hoisted her up until her legs wrapped around his hips. The harlot’s dress allowed her that freedom of movement, and suddenly, he was glad she was wearing it.

The impact of her body hitting his ribs made him wince, stealing his breath.

“Are you hurt?” she whispered, gently cradling his cheek.

“No,” he lied. “Perhaps a little.” There, he was closer to the truth.

He walked toward the bed and tumbled onto it, still holding Leila close.

She laughed, the sound healing something within his soul.

He exhaled, allowing his ribs to stop aching, then continued kissing her, their embrace turning hungrier, laced with ravenous need. He clawed at her clothes, frustrated that he couldn’t reach more of her skin. His right hand slipped under her skirt, skimming the soft skin of her thigh, while his left hand tugged at her bodice.

She kissed him eagerly, her tongue caressing his, their teeth clashing, then she bit his lip.

“I’ve missed you too,” she whispered. “Like this. Wild. Uninhibited. Like a wolf.”

He grinned and rolled on top of her, nudging her knees apart. She opened them wider, welcoming him into the cradle of her thighs.

Gideon pushed the skirt of the gown up until his fingers reached the place he’d desired.

She was already damp, his finger gliding easily along her feminine lips.

She gasped into his mouth when he touched her there, and he swallowed the sound greedily. His fingers parted her folds, teasing and exploring, then stroking in slow, firm circles. She whimpered, her hips grinding into his hand.

“Gideon,” she breathed, her voice pleading.

“Yes,” he rasped, pressing kisses to her throat and shoulder. “Let go. Let me feel you fall apart.”

He slipped two fingers inside her, curling them in a way that made her moan. His palm pressed against the sensitive bundle of nerves, simulating suggestive rhythms with his fingers, the heel of his palm hitting her most sensitive spot with every thrust.

Her moans grew louder, needier, her thighs trembling. Her body clenched rhythmically, her hips jerking as he thrust his fingers deeper.

She came with a cry muffled against his neck, her entire body tightening around his fingers. He kissed her through it, holding her tightly and whispering reverent words in her ear.

“Beautiful… so fucking beautiful when you come.”