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I'm sure we're taller in another dimension
You say we're small and not worth the mention
You're tired of movin', your body's achin'
The floorboards creaked as Kate Sharma tiptoed through the hall, her hands clutching the voluminous folds of her emerald green dress. A flicker of lightning lit up the night sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder, making her heart race in fear.
She had always hated thunderstorms, ever since she was a little girl. The memories of her father's funeral, his death, held during a torrential downpour, haunted her dreams. Every time it rained, she couldn't help but feel a knot of panic in the pit of her stomach.
Kate paused outside the library, the scent of leather and old books wafting through the crack under the door. She hesitated for a moment, gathering her courage before pushing it open. The library was a sanctuary for her, a place where she could escape the suffocating expectations of society and lose herself in the pages of a book. But tonight, it was also a haven from the storm.
As she stepped inside, she was greeted by the warm glow of candlelight flickering across the rows of shelves. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting long shadows across the room. Anthony Bridgerton, the Viscount of whom she had recently become inexplicably fond, sat in his usual spot near the window, his profile illuminated by the flickering flames. He seemed lost in thought, his expression distant.
Kate hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should disturb him. But then, another clap of thunder made her heart skip a beat, and she found herself moving toward him, her feet carrying her on autopilot. "My lord," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Anthony turned his head, his gaze meeting hers. There was a flash of surprise in his eyes before it was replaced with understanding. He rose to his feet, his expression gentle. "Miss Sharma, I'm sorry if I startled you. I didn't mean to be so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice you enter."
Kate shook her head, her eyes darting between him and the window. "It's all right, my lord. I just.. I couldn't help but feel a bit unsettled by the storm." She gestured helplessly at the rain-streaked window.
"I've always hated thunderstorms." She calming sighed as she said it.
Anthony stepped closer, his gaze never leaving her face. "I'm sorry to hear that, Miss Sharma. I know how unnerving they can be." He reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "Here, let me help you."
Before Kate could protest, Anthony had wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her against his chest. She felt the steady beat of his heart through the fabric of his shirt, and the warmth of his body enveloped her. It was an unexpected and entirely welcome comfort. For a moment, she forgot about the storm raging outside.
"It's all right, Miss Sharma," Anthony murmured into her ear. "You are safe with me." His embrace was so firm, yet gentle, that she couldn't help but relax against him. He continued, "Close your eyes if you'd like. I promise that I will keep you safe."
Kate hesitated for a moment, feeling an unfamiliar flutter in her chest. But then, she did as he asked, letting out a slow breath as she shut her eyes. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled her into a sense of peace. It was as if she could feel the storm raging outside, but somehow it didn't matter as much when she was in his arms.
Anthony's strong arms held her close, and she could feel his breath against her hair. She tried to tell herself that this was nothing more than comfort in the face of fear, but she couldn't deny the strange tingle that ran through her whenever he touched her. It was as if every nerve ending in her body stood at attention, waiting for his next move.
Time seemed to slow as they stood there, the storm raging outside but forgotten in the warmth of the moment. Kate reveled in the safety she felt in his embrace, the security of knowing that he would keep her safe no matter what. She could feel the tension in her shoulders begin to ease, her muscles growing more relaxed with each passing second.
Anthony's fingers traced gentle circles on her back, his touch sending delicious shivers down her spine. "There, there," he murmured, his voice soothing. "The storm will pass soon. I promise you'll be safe."
Kate wanted to believe him, wanted to trust him with every fiber of her being. She felt so at peace in his arms, as if she had found a home she hadn't known she was missing.
As if sensing her thoughts, he shifted slightly, leaning in to brush his lips against her ear. "You know," he whispered, his breath sending a shiver down her neck, "it's funny. I've always found thunderstorms... calming. They remind me of my childhood when my parents would let me sit by the window and watch the rain." He paused, his lips moving against her skin. "I used to imagine that the world was washing away its troubles, starting anew."
Kate felt a pang in her chest as she listened to him speak. His words were so honest, so open, it was hard not to feel a deep connection with him. She wanted to believe that he was telling her the truth, that this moment wasn't just some act of comfort, but something more. She wanted to believe that they could have a life together, a future where they could sit by a window and watch the rain together, their troubles washed away by the storm.
Anthony seemed to sense her thoughts, and he tightened his embrace, pressing their bodies even closer. His lips found hers, and she could feel the passion, the desire, the hope that burned beneath his skin. His kiss was like a drug, addictive and all-consuming, and she couldn't help but return it with the same fierce longing.
When he finally pulled away, she felt dizzy, her heart racing. He looked into her eyes, his own filled with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher. Was it love? Desire? Or was it just the storm and the adrenaline coursing through them? She couldn't be sure.
Anthony brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers tracing a path down her cheek. "I shouldn't have done that," he murmured, his voice thick with regret. "I shouldn't have taken advantage of the situation."
Kate could feel the weight of his words, the self-doubt that seemed to hang in the air between them. She wanted to tell him that it hadn't been an issue, that she hadn't minded the kiss, but something held her back. Maybe it was the uncertainty she felt about their situation, or perhaps it was the fear that if she admitted her own feelings, things would change between them.
She didn't want to ruin the moment they had shared, the connection they had made, by bringing up such complicated emotions. So instead, she chose to focus on the present, on the warmth of his body, the rhythm of his heartbeat, and the softness of his lips against her skin.
Anthony seemed to sense her hesitation, and he pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers. "Forgive me," he whispered, his fingers tracing a gentle pattern on her cheek. "I shouldn't have done that to you. I shouldn't have brought up such dark thoughts."
Kate found herself leaning into his touch, wanting to feel the warmth of his skin against hers. "It's all right," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just want to be with you right now."
There was a moment of stillness between them as they held each other, their hearts racing in sync with the thunder that echoed through the room. She could feel the tension in his body, the way he was trying to control himself, to not give in to the passion that she could see burning in his eyes. And she knew that she was feeling the same way.
Kate shifted her weight slightly, pressing her hips against his, feeling the hardness of his arousal. She wanted him, wanted to feel him inside her, wanted to lose herself in this moment with him. His hands slid down her back, cupping her bottom, pulling her closer. His lips found her neck, kissing and nipping at her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
"I want you, Anthony," she whispered, her voice shaking with desire. "Please..."
His lips found hers again, their kisses growing more urgent, more demanding. His hands moved up her back, cupping her breasts through the thin fabric of her dress, his thumbs circling her nipples until they hardened. She arched into his touch, moaning softly.
The storm continued to rage outside, the wind howling and the rain pounding against the window. But in this moment, they were a world apart from the chaos outside. They were a single entity, their bodies moving together in a dance that felt as natural as breathing. Anthony's lips trailed down her neck, his teeth nipping gently at her skin, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her.
Her hands found the buttons of his shirt, eager to feel the heat of his skin against hers. She fumbled with them for a moment, her fingers clumsy with desire, and he laughed softly, helping her to undo them. His chest was bare before her, and she reached out, tracing her fingers over the hard planes of muscle, marveling at the strength and power that lay beneath his smooth, pale skin.
Anthony's hands moved up her body, pulling her dress over her head, leaving her naked in his arms. She shivered with anticipation as he lowered her back down onto the floor, his lips never leaving her skin. His kisses grew more urgent, more demanding as if he was trying to consume her. His fingers trailed down her stomach, dipping beneath the thin fabric of her panties, and she arched into his touch, moaning softly.
As the storm outside the library continued to rain harder in a wider sound, but to them, it seemed to fade into the background as they were lost in their own world. Anthony's touch was everywhere, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.
He cupped her breast in his hand, his thumb brushing over her nipple until it was hard and aching. She gasped, arching into his touch. His other hand moved down her body, between her legs, finding her wet and ready. He thrust his fingers inside her, filling her, as his lips found hers once more.
Their kisses grew deeper, more urgent. Her hips moved in time with his fingers, needing more, wanting to feel him inside her. She could feel the tension building within him, the way he was trying to control himself, to not give in to the overwhelming desire that she could feel coursing through his body. But she knew it wouldn't be long before he did.
Anthony's hands moved up her sides, cupping her breasts, thumbs brushing across her nipples. She arched into his touch, moaning softly, her body responding to his every touch. He shifted his weight, positioning himself between her legs, his erection pressing against her, a clear indication of how close he was to losing control.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, their bodies flush against each other. Her hips rocked against him, urging him inside. He groaned, his fingers digging into her hips as he struggled to maintain his composure. But she could feel the tension building, sense the impending release.
They were oblivious to everything except each other. Anthony's lips found her neck, his teeth nipping gently at her skin as he thrust deeper. She arched her back, her nails digging into his shoulders as she felt the first hint of his release. Her own climax built within her, the pleasure so intense it felt like it was crawling up from the core of her being.
He growled her name, his hips moving faster, his body tense with effort as he fought to control himself. She could feel the strength and power that coursed through him, and it only served to heighten the experience. As their breath came in ragged gasps, their bodies moved together in perfect harmony.
The two of them didn't care what happened, but it seemed to fade into the background as they were lost in their own world. Anthony's lips moved over her skin, kissing and nipping at her collarbone, her shoulder, her neck. His fingers dug into her hips, urging her closer as if he needed the contact to keep from losing control.
Her body was still trembling from the force of her orgasm, but she felt another one building deep inside her. His touch, his kisses, the way he moved against her, it was all so incredibly overwhelming, and yet she didn't want it to end. She arched her back, her nails digging into his shoulders as she felt herself starting to lose control again.
Anthony's breath came out in ragged gasps as he felt her body tighten around him. He thrust deeper, his hips moving in a rhythm that was both brutal and tender. The tension that had been building inside him for days finally snapped, and with a groan that seemed to come from the depths of his soul, he let go. His release was intense, powerful, and all-consuming.
Kate's nails dug into his shoulders as she felt him pulsing inside her, his seed filling her, claiming her as his. Her own climax crashed over her in waves, each one more powerful than the last. Her body arched off the bed, her back bowing as she cried out his name, her release so intense it felt like it was ripping her apart.
He held her tightly, his lips finding hers in a desperate kiss as their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm. The storm keeps raging on outside, but it might as well have been a million miles away. There was only them, only this moment.
Her nails dug into his shoulders, her hips rocking against him in time with his thrusts. He groaned her name, his body tense with the effort of holding back his next release. She felt it building inside her as well, a slow, sweet ache that spread through her core.
But they were lost in their own world, oblivious to anything but each other. Anthony's lips moved over her skin, kissing and nipping at her neck, her collarbone, and her shoulder. His fingers dug into her hips, urging her closer, his movements growing more desperate as his control began to slip.
Kate felt her own climax approaching, the pleasure coiling tightly within her, threatening to unravel her completely. She whispered his name, urging him on, her body moving in time with his. His eyes met hers, and she saw the raw need reflected there, the same need that was consuming her.
Anthony leaned down, capturing her mouth with his, swallowing her gasps and moans as their passion reached its peak. He felt her body tighten around him, her muscles clenching as she reached her climax. The feeling of her release triggered his own, and he let go, his warmth filling her as they moved together in perfect harmony.
The storm outside seemed to mirror their tumultuous passion, the thunder crashing in time with their hearts. Rain pelted the windows, casting a rhythmic pattern of light and shadow across their entwined bodies. Kate's eyes fluttered closed, lost in the sensation of their bodies joined as one, her breath mingling with his in the quiet library air.
Anthony's arms tightened around her, holding her close as they both struggled to regain their breath. He kissed her gently, his lips tender against hers, savoring the taste of her. For a moment, all was right in the world, and the fears that had driven them apart seemed insignificant.
When the storm outside the Audrey Hall finally had reached its peak, the thunder now a distant rumble, the rain a soothing lullaby. In the aftermath of their passion, Kate felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the library's hearth. She nuzzled into his neck, feeling the rapid beat of his heart against her cheek.
"Anthony," she whispered, her voice a soft caress. "I love you."
He stilled, his breath hitching in his chest. "Kate," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you too."
Her eyes snapped open at his confession, and she pulled back slightly to look at him. "You do?" she asked, hope blooming in her chest.
Anthony nodded, his expression serious. "I love you, Kate. I think I have for a long time, even if I didn't want to admit it." He ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I never meant to hurt you."
Kate's heart ached to hear the sincerity in his voice, and she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his. "I know that, Anthony. I know you didn't mean for it to happen. But we can get through this, can't we? Together?"
He nodded, wrapping his arms around her once more. "We can, Kate. We can." He kissed her gently, his lips soft against hers. "I promise you, I will never let you go again.”
The words sent a shiver down her spine, and she clung to him, wanting to believe him, needing to believe him. They stayed like that for a long moment, lost in each other, the storm outside fading into the background.
Finally, Anthony pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "I want to make this right, Kate. I want to be the man you deserve. I want to spend the rest of my life making up for all the time I've wasted. But I need to know.." He hesitated, swallowing hard. "I need to know that you're willing to give me that chance."
Kate felt a tear slip down her cheek. "Anthony," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of love and fear. "You are the man I want. But can we truly overcome the hurt we've caused each other?"
He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers. "We can, Kate. We can face this together. I promise you that I will never leave you again. I will fight for us, for our love, and for our family." His voice broke on the last word, and he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
Kate felt the weight of his words pressing down on her, and she knew that she couldn't turn away from him now. She leaned forward, her lips finding his once more in a kiss that was at once tender and passionate. When they parted, she looked into his eyes, her own glistening with unshed tears. "I believe you, Anthony. I believe in us."
Anthony's heart swelled at her words, and he pulled her closer, burying his face in her neck. He breathed in her scent, feeling the warmth of her body against his. "Thank you, Kate. Thank you for giving me this chance."
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly, knowing that this was the start of something new. They stayed like that for a long moment, lost in each other, the world around them fading away.