Unhealthy Thoughts, and Inappropriate Position

Clearing her throat in a feeble attempt to steady herself, Alicia pushed herself up from the settee, her face still carrying the telltale flush of warmth. Without the veil she had long removed when she was left alone, there was nothing to hide it. The firelight bathed her in a soft glow, catching the golden strands of her hair, illuminating the slight tremor in her fingers as she smoothed down the fabric of her dress.

But in her haste, the book that had been resting on her lap slipped from her grasp, tumbling to the floor with a soft thud. Instinctively, she crouched down to retrieve it, her fingers brushing against the worn leather cover.

By then, Adrien had already turned away, his broad frame moving with effortless grace as he strode toward the suitcases that had been carried up by the servants. The wet strands of his dark hair clung to the nape of his neck, droplets still trailing down his back as he stood before the neatly stacked luggage.