Chapter 176
Amber barely registered how her heart hammered in her chest as
Luca’s lips met hers with a fervor that was both passionate and desperate. His hands cradled her face, his thumbs brushing gently.
over her cheekbones even as his mouth claimed hers with a deep,
possessive intensity. His tongue grazed her bottom lip, coaxing her to open to him, and she did, the softest of sighs escaping her as their
kiss deepened.
It wasn’t just a kiss; it was an outpouring of everything they hadn’t been able to say for three long years. His lips moved against hers with precision and fire, each touch speaking of longing, regret, and an overwhelming love that neither of them could deny anymore. He pulled back just enough to look into her tear–brimmed eyes, his own
dark gaze softening.
“I love you, Amber,” he whispered, his voice low and hoarse, filled with emotion. She blinked up at him, her chest tightening as tears
spilled down her cheeks.
“I love you too, Luca,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper,
trembling with honesty and relief.
His hand moved to the nape of her neck, guiding her back into
another kiss–slower this time but no less intense. His lips trailed
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down her jawline, brushing feather–light kisses to her ear, then her
neck. Amber gasped as his mouth found the sensitive spot just below.
her ear, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.
Without breaking contact, his hands moved to her waist, finding the
hem of her blouse. He paused briefly, his dark eyes meeting hers as if
asking for permission. She nodded, her breath hitching as he tugged
the material up and over her head, leaving her in just her skirt. He let
his fingers trail reverently over her shoulders, down her arms, and
across her back as though memorizing every inch of her.
Amber, emboldened by the tenderness in his touch, began working at
the buttons of his shirt, her fingers fumbling slightly from the sheer nervous energy coursing through her. He helped her, shrugging the garment off and tossing it aside. His body was warm and solid against hers as she pressed her palms against his chest, feeling the steady
rhythm of his heartbeat under her touch.
Luca leaned down, kissing her once more, before his lips began a slow, deliberate path down her neck, her collarbone, and the curve of her shoulder. His hands found the zipper of her skirt, easing it down as he knelt before her, his eyes never leaving hers. He slid the fabric away, leaving her exposed to his gaze. His expression was a mixture of awe and admiration, making Amber feel more cherished than she
ever had.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
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She felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but before she could say anything,
he rose and cupped her face again, kissing her deeply. The heat
between them was undeniable now, their bodies pressing closer as his
hands roamed her back and waist, pulling her flush against him.
When she reached for the waistband of his trousers, he stopped her,
capturing her hands in his. “Not yet,” he said softly, his lips quirking
W into a small, teasing smile. “Let me take care of you first.”
He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed and laying her down
gently. His touch was reverent as his fingers skimmed along her arms,
her sides, and her legs. He kissed her again, softer this time, before
pulling back to shed the remainder of his clothing. Her breath caught
as he joined her on the bed, his weight a comforting presence against
her.
Every kiss, every touch was deliberate, slow, and filled with meaning.
It wasn’t just about passion—it was about rediscovering each other,
about rebuilding a connection that had never truly been lost. As their
movements became more fluid, more natural, Amber felt the weight
of the past lifting away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love
and belonging.
They moved together in perfect harmony, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating as one. When they finally collapsed into each other’s arms, the world outside faded away, leaving only them and the unspoken promise of a new beginning.
