Lucilla tilted her head back, exposing the delicate column of her throat, inviting him to take what he wanted. And he did. His mouth captured hers in a deep, searching kiss, swallowing her soft moans as his hands moved with purpose, fingers tracing the curve of her waist before gripping her thighs and moving on to her soft buttocks, He lifted her effortlessly. Dripping wet, she melted into him, immersed, bonded, her legs wrapping around his torso, the heat between them a tangible thing, thick in the air, almost suffocating. He carried her, slow and deliberate, from the window to the couch, his movements unhurried yet steamed with intent.