Chapter 1082

They spent the afternoon preparing. Quietly. Secretly. Gathering rope, sharpening blades, hiding food in a small leather satchel. Emma helped without question, and Stella, once told, only grew more determined.

But the rest… they watched.

Or at least, they noticed.

That night, as the fire crackled and the air turned cool, Rose approached Jude.

She straddled his lap slowly, her hands on his shoulders, her scent sweet and dizzying. Her breasts brushed against his chest, and she leaned in close, lips inches from his.

"You've been distant," she whispered.

"I've been thinking."

"About me?"

"Always."

She smiled and kissed him. Slow. Deep. Her tongue touched his, soft and warm and delicious. And Jude felt the same burning desire he always did with her. But there was something more now, something under her skin. Her heartbeat didn't match the rhythm of her breathing. Her warmth wasn't real. It was too much.