Chapter $3
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It wasn’t the kind of moment Luca had anvisioned Hidding Amber in his aim, her body trembling against his, he felt a grim ache settle deep
in Fils chest. For three years, he had carried the weight of longing for this woman–this fiery, stubborn, beautiful woman who had once been his
wife. He had wanted nothing more than to love her, to be the nee to bring her joy, to protect her. To be close to her again, even like this,
should have felt like a triumph. But instead, it felt bittersweet.
Amber’s request had been clear, her voice unsteady, her gaze pleading. She wasn’t seeking passion or reconnection in the way he was. She was seeking escape. A desperate distraction from the fear gnawing at her soul
Lasca had always known that touching her was unlike anything else. The first time they’d been together, it was as though the universe had rearranged itself, centering on the bond they had created. She had been hit everything then, and even now, that connection still burned fiercely in his heart. If tonight unfolded as she was asking, he had no doubt the intensity between them would be just as overwhelming as it had been
before. Perhaps even more so.
But he also knew the truth that broke him. Amber wasn’t asking for closeness out of love or desire. She was asking because she was scared- terrified of the looming uncertainty that was her future. Terrified of what chemotherapy might strip from her, not just her body but her sense of self. Cutting off her hair had clearly been a gut–wrenching step, one she had forced herself to take. He had seen how she used to beam with pride at her long, vibrant red locks. They had been her crown, and he had adored them too. The woman before him now wasn’t only physically changed; she was emotionally raw, vulnerable in a way he had never seen before.
This wasn’t about rekindling their romance. It wasn’t about love for her, not tonight. And though the realization stung, Luca was grateful she had come to him with her request. She could have turned to anyone–or no one at all. Yet she had chosen him. That meant something, even if it wasn’t everything he wanted it to mean.
He stroked her cheek gently, watching as her lashes fluttered, and her eyes stayed resolutely downcast. She was bracing herself for his rejection, he realized. Bracing herself for one more blow, one more wound to carry.
But he wouldn’t do that to her.
“Yes, amore mio,” Luca murmured softly, his voice low and steady. His hand slid to her jaw, tipping her face up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “I’ll give you what you need. But understand this–tonight isn’t just for you. It’s for me too.”
Amber blinked at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She opened her mouth to protest, to argue, but he silenced her with a kiss- slow and reverent. It wasn’t demanding or forceful; it was a promise. A vow that even if this night had begun as a way to soothe her fears, it wouldn’t end with her feeling detached or hollow,
Luca’s eyes darkened as he scooped Amber into his arms, her gasp muffled against his shoulder as he lifted her effortlessly in a bridal style. The way she clung to him, uncertain but unwilling to pull away, sent a wave of heat coursing through him. His grip was firm but tender, as if be were cradling something both precious and fragile.
“Luca-” she started, her voice a mix of protest and breathlessness.
“Shh, amore mio,” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple as he carried her toward the bedroom.
With a deliberate nudge of his foot, the door swung open, and he stepped inside, kicking it shut behind him with a soft thud. Amber’s pulse quickened as she heard the unmistakable click of the lock. The room felt charged, the air thick with anticipation. Before she could utter another word, Luca laid her gently on the bed, his movements fluid but purposeful, as though every action had been carefully considered.
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10:23 Fri, Feb 13 BBD.
Chapter 158
His gaze burned into her as he hovered above her, the corners of his mouth curving into a devilish grin. “You’re not going anywhere, cara. Tonight, I’m making sure you don’t forget how much I love every inch of you.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
