Jennifer asked, a note of disbelief in her voice.
âEven if I wanted to do more, I would need your permission.
I wouldnât do anything without your consent, especially when youâre drunk,â Hilliard responded earnestly.
Jennifer trusted him but couldnât hide a tinge of disappointment.
âYou slept like that on our first night away.
Are you too cautious, or am I not intriguing enough to catch your interest?â
Taken aback, Hilliard studied Jenniferâs face, slowly grasping what she implied.
âJennifer, do you⦠Do you want toâ¦â
Jennifer pushed his head gently away and interjected, âI wasnât thinking about that.
Letâs get up and have breakfast.
Weâll start todayâs adventure with Lucinda.
â
Just as she was about to leave the bed, Hilliardâs arm encircled her waist and drew her back into his embrace.
They were so close that Jennifer could nearly hear the rapid beating of Hilliardâs heart.
His heart raced, betraying his nervousness.
Hilliardâs warm breath tickled her ear, his voice deep and husky.
âYouâre enchanting.
Even a mere glance from you is overwhelming for me.
â
Jennifer arched an eyebrow playfully.
âWhy the sweet talk all of a sudden? I like it, though.
â
Hilliard moved closer and whispered, âItâs our first trip abroad together.
We didnât connect last night, but itâs not too late to make up for it this morning.
â
âHilliardâ¦â
As she called out, Hilliard gently turned her over, positioning her beneath him.
Jennifer blushed.
âWhat time is it? If we Linger too long, Lucinda and Nathan might start to worry.
â
âTheyâll understand,â he assured her, his expression determined.
Seeing his resolved look, Jennifer relented with a shy smile.
âThen⦠hurry up.
â
âWhat?â Hilliard frowned slightly, then lowered his head to ki*s her lips tenderly.
âLetâs take our time.
â
Hilliard quickly moved his arm, and they both tucked themselves under the covers.
Still feeling uneasy, Jennifer asked, âHilliard, with Lucinda and Nathan next door, wonât they hear us if weâre too loud?â
âNo, the walls here are thick and designed to block out sound,â he reassured her.
âButâ¦â