?Chapter 1439:


    Though seemingly lean, years of workouts had sculpted his body into defined abs and a striking waistline. His physique was a living, breathing version of Michngelo’s David—wlessly proportioned and chiseled.


    Oblivious to her inner turmoil, Eric straightened his neck. “Is this alright?”


    “Yes…” Hadley nodded, her face carefully neutral as she silently squeezed some cream into her palm, her gaze fixed straight ahead. “Might sting a little,” she murmured. “Try not to move.”


    “Okay.”


    The curve of his neck was prominent. With care, Hadley rubbed the cream onto his skin, pressing her palm down inch by inch.


    Eric hissed, a sharp intake of breath betraying the pain.


    “Does that hurt?” Hadley paused, her touch bing even lighter. “I’ll be slower and more careful.”


    She couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “Why insist on sleeping on the sofa? A man nearly six foot three crammed onto a tiny sofa—a stiff neck was inevitable.”


    A stray lock of her long hair identally escaped from behind her ear, brushing across Eric’s bare back and grazing his old whip scars.


    It wasn’t painful, but the sensation was ticklish.


    A shiver ran down his spine.


    Desire burned in Eric’s gaze, his Adam’s apple bobbing with each breath he took.


    Her nearness allowed him to perceive the delicate floral scent that clung to her skin.


    “All done,” Hadley announced, finishing the application and about to withdraw her hand.<fnd579> Read full story at find(?)ovel</fnd579>


    “Hadley…” Eric’s voice suddenly grew husky as he grasped her wrist.


    “Yes?” A surprised sound escaped her lips.


    In the next instant, Eric drew her fully into his arms, his strong embrace capturing her and holding her tight.


    His fingers gently pressed against her lips. His voice remained rough with emotion. “Hadley. I can’t hold back any longer.” With those words, he lowered his head and kissed her.


    Surprise widened Hadley’s eyes; she waspletely taken aback.


    Sensing her reaction, his palm gently covered her eyes. “Close your eyes. Just focus.”


    He kept his hand over her eyes for a moment longer.


    Hadley’sshes fluttered against his palm before finally settling as she closed her eyes.


    Sensing her surrender, he softly removed his hand and drew her even closer.


    He held her close, his warmth a soothing balm in his embrace.


    The kiss wasn’t fierce, but profound, gentle, and lingering on her lips.


    “Hadley…” he murmured, their lips still brushing, his palm cradling her cheek. “Do you like my kisses?”


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