With an elegant motion, she concealed her hands behind her back, gracefully traversed the sofa's expanse, and leaned closer to Bennett. Her eyes sparkled playfully as she addressed him, “Bennett, are you perhaps jealous?"

His response was a faint smile, his gaze locked onto hers as he inquired, "What's your take on it?"

Claudia's eyelashes fluttered and she replied with a teasing Lilt, "I must admit, I find your hint of jealousy quite endearing. But there's nothing more than mere acquaintanceship between Mathews and me. We've crossed paths for just two brief years and our collaborations have been sparse. It's simply..

She patiently began her explanation but, before she could conclude, Bennett unexpectedly scooped her up from behind the sofa, swiftly relocating her to his lap.

Perched upon him, Claudia's long dress accentuated the intimacy of their position, her legs gently parting.

Through the delicate fabric, she distinctly discerned the warmth of his thighs.

A rosy blush tinged Claudia's cheeks as she hurriedly clarified, “There's been no romantic entanglement between Mathews and me.”

The atmosphere grew increasingly romantic and she yearned to disengage from their close proximity. However, her waist was firmly ensnared, and she succumbed to the irresistible urge to nestle into his embrace.

Bennett's intense gaze bore into her with an ardor that left no room for doubt as he mused, "Our previous kiss remains unfinished."

With those words, a warm breath, filled with promise, enveloped her senses, leaving Claudia wholly captivated.

Her chin lifted regally and his lips tenderly caressed her slender ones. Claudia found herself entranced by the whisper of his breath.

This kiss bore no resemblance to the two from the previous night; it exuded an air of dominance and masculine fervor.

The back of her head was cradled firmly and his other hand around her waist possessed her with an unyielding grip, leaving scant space for her to breathe. A potent sense of ownership and an abrupt presumption suggested he aimed to merge her into the very core of his being.

A plaintive whimper escaped Claudia's lips, yet it failed to sway him toward mercy.

The kiss raged like a tempest, enveloping Claudia as if she were an exquisite blossom caught in a storm, her petals bedecked with the weight of raindrops.

As the kiss drew to a close, she gasped for the precious gift of air. Bennett held her close, his fingers entwined in her silken tresses. While stroking her hair, he confessed in a throaty murmur, "Yes, I'm consumed by jealousy."

Without hesitation, he admitted his vulnerability. Surprisingly, Claudia's ire dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of sweetness that coursed through her heart.

It took her a while to flutter open her eyes and gaze upon him. She whispered, "I declined his offer."

"Okay," he replied nonchalantly, reclining back on the sofa. He then guided Claudia to rest against his chest.

Amidst the familiar scent of wood, she surrendered to the comforting warmth of his embrace, cherishing this moment without any inclination to move.

Bennett Lifted his hand, tenderly caressing her earlobe. His obsidian eyes fixed upon her as he inquired, “Mrs. Dreskin, when shall I light the scented candles for us?"

Claudia was left momentarily speechless, puzzled by the urgency in his tone.

Claudia sat in front of the piano, blushing as Bennett's words replayed in her head. Her fingers danced absentmindedly across the keys. She played steadily, but it was difficult to tell what song she was playing.

This state of distraction lasted for nearly five minutes before Claudia finally snapped out of her reverie.