Zeke's POV

I was about to get out of bed when she pulled me back into an embrace. Her embrace, though warm, hinted at something deeper, something I knew I needed to handle carefully. "What's wrong with the damn AC?"

"Are you okay?" I asked, trying to suppress the rapidly growing desire churning in my stomach.

"Hmmm," she murmured, nodding. "Now let's get you freshened up." I gently guided her toward the bathroom.

I ran warm water over her face as she leaned over the sink. Just as I reached for a towel, her body began to sway from the effects of the alcohol.

"I'm sorry," Kamille whispered between gasps, her voice laced with embarrassment.

"It's alright. I'm here," I reassured her, holding her hair back and rubbing her back soothingly. At that moment, I realized how deeply I missed her. I missed her talking about her day, even when I pretended to be disinterested. I missed her presence—in my car, my house, my room. I missed Kamille Reid.

Heartbeat.

After she'd finished, we returned to the bedroom. Kamille's movements were sluggish, her speech slurred. I admired her delicate frame, but I knew better than to act on impulse. She would hate me forever.

"You should rest," I suggested, but she began to undress, her actions a mixture of exhaustion and intoxication. I gulped.

"What are you doing?" I asked, barely controlling my emotions.

"It's too hot in here," she replied, continuing to remove her clothes.

Damn! She was so beautiful.

I watched as she undressed. Then she snuggled into the duvet. Her body was inviting, her skin mesmerizing. I yearned for her.

Fuck! Even my breathing became erratic.

Kamille looked up, her eyes pleading. "Please, stay with me," she implored. Her vulnerability tugged at my heart. I hesitated, torn between protecting her and my own overwhelming emotions. But ultimately, I couldn't do anything she'd regret later when sober.

"No, Kamille. You should rest. I'll get some more sheets," I said, and walked to the closet. My body was heating up just from looking at her. My mind conjured a million things I could do to her, things that would leave her wanting more. But I pushed them aside out of respect.

I was searching through the clothes when I felt soft hands on my bare chest.

Oh no, Kamille. Does she really know what she's doing?

My groin throbbed despite the battle raging in my mind. I couldn't take advantage of her. But her fingers lingered. I cursed under my breath.

"Don't leave me alone. Stay with me," she whispered, leaning against my back. I felt her warm breath on my skin. Her soft skin called to my deepest desires. I couldn't resist her plea.

"Alright, I'll stay," I replied. I quickly put on pajamas, returned to the room, and slipped under the covers beside her.

As we lay together, Kamille snuggled into my arms, resting her head on my arm, her palms dancing on my chest.

This was harder than I thought.

"You know, the best thing that ever happened to me was my children. They've been my reason to live," she said.

"They're beautiful children, just like their mother," I replied, subconsciously stroking her hair.

"I'm so blessed to have them. When this world left me in darkness, they became my four lucky stars. They light up my world," she said, her voice filled with love and gratitude. I was tempted to ask about their father or if she'd remarried, but decided against it. I didn't want to upset her.

Or maybe I just loved the feel of her skin against mine and didn't want her to leave.

My restraint was weakening as she snuggled closer. If she moved any closer, the line between self-control and giving in would snap. I wished she knew.

She turned to face me. Her eyes roamed my face, as did her hands. She traced her fingers over my jawline, my lips, then my chest, grazing my nipples.

Fuck, Kamille. You're playing with fire. I let out a soft groan.

"You're so perfect. I'm drowning in your blue eyes, and your body always draws me in," she whispered against my face. Her words were tender and sincere. I couldn't resist.

I caressed her cheeks softly. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met, Kamille," I murmured. "Despite having four kids, you still look so young and pretty." She blushed.

Damn it! Why was she so gorgeous and sexy? I could do anything to keep her drunk. I needed her in my life. She made me feel alive. I abandoned all self-restraint and leaned in to kiss her.

Kamille responded eagerly, her body melting into mine. We kissed as if starved for it. I was, and so was she. She hungered for my touch as I hungered for hers.

The kiss deepened, and soon I was on top of her. Her body fit perfectly against mine. I explored her soft skin with my hands and tongue, caressing her delicate curves. She moaned with delight. I couldn't hold back much longer. I surrendered to my desires, her soft moans encouraging me. In that moment, everything else faded, leaving only the delight of pure ecstasy.

The night grew quiet except for the heaving of our breaths as we struggled to catch them. I glanced at Kamille's exhausted but satisfied face and smiled.

"Goodnight, love," I whispered, holding her close as she drifted off to sleep. I had happy dreams.