He regarded her with a knowing smile but remained silent. Extending the glass toward her, he gently urged, "Take a sip.”

Complying, Claudia sat up, accepted the glass, and inadvertently brushed his fingers with her own. The soft contact sent a delightful shiver up her spine.

After drinking more than half the glass, she placed it aside, nestled back under the covers and drew the quilt over herself.

Bennett's smile softened as he lowered the thin coverlet from her head.

Her hands gripped the edges of the quilt, revealing only her beautiful eyes. She Looked at him and said, “I'm going to sleep."

“Okay," Bennett replied in a Low voice with no intention of leaving. Flushed with embarrassment, Claudia gazed into the depths of the man's striking eyes and his perfectly arched brows. As the fervor of the moment gradually subsided, a sense of calmness washed over her. She mustered her courage, her fingers tensing incrementally, and ventured to speak, "Bennett, do you truly have affection for me?"

Was he merely jesting with her?

His intense eyes shifted ever so slightly, and he lowered the quilt a touch more, revealing her countenance fully.

“Do you want to feel it again?" he asked.

“What?

Claudia's confusion was palpable. In the next heartbeat, the man's hand daringly explored beneath the covers, Lifting her into his embrace, and sealing their connection with a passionate kiss.

And she found herself utterly captivated, lost in a swirling haze of sensations.

The overwhelming presence enveloped Claudia's mind, rendering her incapable of coherent thought. Her consciousness was swept away, and her senses were inundated with the unmistakable, woody scent of the man.

Bennett's lips caressed hers, transitioning from a gentle brush to a deep, passionate kiss. The pressure of his arm around her waist intensified, drawing her closer into his embrace.

In this embrace, Claudia found herself powerless to maintain her posture. Subconsciously, she reached out to grasp his arm. Through the delicate fabric of their clothing, she could discern the contours of his muscular arm beneath her fingertips.

Claudia sensed her Lungs gasping for air, as the surreal sensation of near-fainting washed over her. Just when oxygen deprivation seemed imminent, Bennett finally eased his kiss. His once-assertive Lips softened, as if offering her solace.

While her breathing gradually steadied, her heart raced incessantly.

Bennett didn't release her immediately. He continued to bestow tender kisses upon her. Their breaths intertwined, leaving Claudia feeling a delightful weakness permeating not only her hands but her entire being.

She raised her hand, discovering that her Limbs weren't the only things rendered feeble.

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Claudia surrendered directly into the protective arms of Bennett. Feebly, she clung to his arm, her strength utterly drained.

The room enveloped them in silence. A gentle breeze wafted in through the French window, dispersing the warmth that had existed between them.

Regaining her composure, she cast a blush-filled glance at Bennett and whispered, "I understand now."

Attempting to withdraw and recline on the bed, she encountered Bennett's resistance.

His hand rested firmly on her shoulder, pulling her back.