They were so close. His warm breath caressed her neck, the crisp, appealing scent of <b>his </b>woody cologne prating deep within her.


    Thalia’s nerves suddenly tightened, her breathing bing rapid.


    After speaking, Asher lowered his gaze to Thalia’s lips, so tantalizingly close, and leaned in<b>. </b>


    The gentle, warm sensation touched Thalia’s lips, so light it was like the delicate <b>brushing </b>of a feather.


    “So sweet,” he murmured.


    Thalia’s heart pounded fiercely. Her breathing unconsciously became shallower as shey on the bed, motionless with anticipation.


    Was Asher’s reward going to be…?


    She had never experienced such intimacy before and felt increasingly nervous.


    Her heart was racing uncontrobly.


    Sensing her tension, Asher pulled away from her lips and chuckled softly. “Rx, my darling. I’m not going to devour you… unless you want me to.”


    With those words, Asher kissed her again.


    Initially, his kisses were light and tentative, barely touching her lips.


    Thalia was surprised, wondering if she had misinterpreted his intentions.


    Soon, she realized she hadn’t.


    Asher’s kisses gradually deepened, the sweet peach vor mingling between their lips as Thalia began to


    feel breathless.


    Their fingers inteced tightly as her blood seemed to boil, her body growing increasingly warm.


    Everything unfolded naturally.


    When they reached the final moment of truth, Asher paused to ask: “Lia, may I?”


    Thalia nodded, her face flushed.


    There was protection in the bedside table drawer.


    After taking proper precautions, Asher proceeded.


    For Thalia, it was an entirely new experience.


    She had anticipated this might happen during their romantic getaway.


    Considering the timeline, she and Asher had been together for several months now, so it didn’t seem too


    rushed.


    At first, Asher’s movements were incredibly gentle, afraid of causing her difort. His tenderness spoke


    volumes about his feelings, making Thalia feel cherished beyond measure.


    Thalia was lost in a haze of passion,pletely surrendering herself to Asher’s rhythm, rising and falling


    with him like waves on a moonlit shore.


    It was well past midnight when they finallyy spent in each other’s arms.


    Thalia drifted into a deep, contented sleep, nestled against Asher’s chest.


    She slept until the following afternoon.


    When Thalia drowsily opened her eyes, it was already three o’clock.


    The space beside her was empty–Asher had already risen.


    Snow had fallen throughout the night, transforming the view outside into a pristine whitendscape, a dreamlike wondend cloaked in silver.


    Outside, tourists were building snowmen and engaging in snowball fights, theirughter and yful shouts creating a lively atmosphere.


    The bed was positioned near the window. Thalia watched through the ss for a while, suddenly longing to go outside and build a snowman herself.


    “You’re awake? Hungry, my love?” Asher’s voice came from behind her, warm with affection.


    Thalia turned to see him holding a tray with an elegant breakfast spread.


    Asher ced the tray on a small round table. “I’ve brought you a proper French breakfast–fresh


    croissants and pain au choct from that delightful little bongerie down the street. The owner says they’ve been making them the same way for three generations. There’s also café auit and some local Alpine honey. Thought you might fancy something authentic.”


    Thalia nodded, her eyes lighting up at the delicious spread. “It looks absolutely lovely, but let me freshen up first.”


    She put on her nightgown and got out of bed, nearly losing her bnce when her feet touched the floor.


    Asher quickly caught her, pulling her into his arms, his tone teasing yet tender. “Weak legs, darling? I do believe that’s my fault.”


    Thalia’s cheeks burned crimson. She hadn’t noticed it much while lying in bed, but upon standing, she felt a delicious ache throughout her body.


    Last night, he had perhaps been a bit too thorough in his attentions.


    Seeing Thalia’s flushed face and silence, Asher spoke in a low voice tinged with both amusement and concern. “I’m terribly sorry, my love. Was I too much for youst night? Let me carry you to the


    bathroom.”


    Thalia puffed her cheeks in mock indignation. “I wanted to go y in the snow. How am I supposed to go


    outside like this?”


    Asher smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “It’s just temporary, darling. Walk around the room a bit to adjust, and you’ll be right as rain in no time. Though I must say, I rather like the idea that you’re carrying a reminder of me with every step.”


    Asher carried her to the bathroom, setting her down at the washbasin, his hands lingering on her waist.


    Thalia still struggled to stand steadily, feeling a particr tenderness in intimate ces that made her all too aware of the previous night’s activities.


    Asher pressed close behind her, his arms encircling her waist. “Lean on me, Lia. I’ve got you.”


    Thalia: “…”


    This was certainly her first time needing support while freshening up.


    Thalia took her cup, filled it with water, and squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush.


    When traveling, she typically brought her own toiletries and necessities.


    As Thalia brushed her teeth, Asher stood behind her, holding her. The mirror reflected their bodies pressed together, creating an achingly intimate tableau.


    Thalia looked at Asher in the mirror.


    On his neck were two dark red marks.


    Those were love bites she’d left in the heat of passionst night.


    Recalling the sensual moments from the previous night, Thalia’s cheeks again turned crimson.


    This subtle change didn’t escape Asher’s notice.


    He looked at Thalia in the mirror, his lips curving into a knowing smile. “What are you thinking about, my sweet girl? You’ve gone quite pink.”


    “Nothing, nothing at all,” Thalia replied, her eyes darting away nervously.


    A few minutester, after Thalia had finished freshening up, Asher turned her to face him and leaned down to gently inhale her scent.


    “You smell divine,” he murmured against her skin.


    Thalia’s face grew warm with embarrassment. “You keep changing what you call me–darling, love, sweet girl–making it up as you go along.”


    Asher’s lips curved into a tender smile, his voice deep and sensual. “Does it bother you? I have so many ways to think of you, it seems only fair you should hear them all.”


    Thalia’s face turned crimson as she lowered her eyes without responding.


    Asher’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his eyes darkened. His voice was husky and enticing: “I love how you blush for me. Only for me. I want to kiss you again.”


    Asher lightly touched his lips with his index finger.


    “Kiss me, Lia.”


    Thalia obediently leaned forward and ced a fleeting, butterfly–light kiss on his lips.


    “Perfect,” Asher said, thoroughly satisfied. “Though I warn you, if you keep looking at me like that, we might not leave this room today.”


    Last night had satiated him, so today he would spare her. One kiss was enough.


    Last night he had taken her only twice, though each time hadsted quite long. Today she was somewhat tender. He couldn’t be too demanding initially–he wanted her to associate their intimacy with pleasure, not difort.


    After all, they had plenty of time ahead.


    Asher supported Thalia as they walked out of the bathroom. “Take your time adjusting. We’ll go build a snowmanter, if you’re up to it.”


    The young woman, face still flushed, responded with a barely audible “Mmm.”


    Although they had shared their first intimate experiencest night, discussing the topic afterward still made her shy, especially when she saw Asher’s meaningful expressions. Thalia’s mind would involuntarily recall vivid images from their night together.


    Waves of heat surged through her as their breaths mingled, wave after wave of pleasure overwhelming and consuming her.


    The French pastries were exquisite–buttery, ky croissants and pain au choct with perfectly melted chocte centers. The rich café auit was the perfectplement to the sweet pastries.


    After breakfast, Thalia wanted to go outside to y in the snow and take photographs.


    She spent over an hour applying wless makeup, leaving her slightly curled long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and changed into a thick, cream–colored down jacket.


    Asher wrapped a burgundy cashmere scarf around Thalia’s neck, his fingers lingering at her throat. “It’s rather nippy outside–wear this. I wouldn’t want you catching cold.”


    Below their guesthouse was a charming courtyard where winter flowers bloomed despite the cold, their delicate petals contrasting beautifully with the pristine snow.


    A young couple was building a snowman nearby, and on the low courtyard wall sat a row of miniature snowmen of various shapes.


    Thalia walked over to look at them, eximing with delight: “Oh, these little snowmen are absolutely adorable! Would you mind terribly if I took photographs with them?”


    The young woman smiled warmly. “Please do!”


    Thalia smiled, her eyes crinkling with joy. “That’s awfully kind, thank you.”


    She beckoned to Asher. “Darling, would you be a love and take some photos of me with these charming


    little snowmen?”


    Asher had brought his professional DSLR camera. After adjusting the settings, he aimed the lens at Thalia, his eyes softening as he gazed at her through the viewfinder.


    The sky had cleared after the snowfall, with gentle, winter sunshine casting a golden glow. Through his


    lens, Asher saw Thalia smiling as brilliantly as spring sunshine, with a row of little snowmen behind her like adorable sprites from a winter fairy tale.


    <b>(</b><b>3</b><b>) </b>