A flush of embarrassment tinted Briana's cheeks at his remark. "I'm not concerned about my sister's happiness," she mumbled under her breath.
"The only conceivable path to her discontent seems to be through your absence. Therefore, what I want is you, exclusively," Briana confessed, her words tumbling out without restraint.
Gavriel's gaze held hers, his brows lifting ever so slightly. He didn't believe her, knowing there was more beneath the surface. 'It's been a while since I've...,' he mused, letting his thoughts trail off.
His gaze transformed from piercing to suggestive, tracing her figure and leaving her feeling self-conscious. He allowed a seductive smirk to grace his features, as He drew nearer to her, his words laced with a menacing whisper, "Should that be your desire, then consider me at your disposal."
A nervous flutter danced in her stomach, his breath grazing her ear and sending shivers down her spine. Her heart thudded audibly, caught in the grip of his teasing allure. Gradually, he pulled back, a half-lustful grin adorning his face, causing Briana to shudder involuntarily, her skin tingling with fervor. "I anticipate your presence tomorrow evening," he declared, a playful undertone beneath his words.
Just as he was about to pivot away, she interjected, "Must we wait until tomorrow evening?"
He pivoted back to her, a raised brow of inquiry accompanied by eyes that gleamed with mischief. "Are you suggesting an immediate indulgence?" he queried.
"We could seize the moment," she proposed, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
In response, a smirk curved across his features, his reply imbued with a hint of amusement. "Your enthusiasm is quite evident."
A chuckle escaped her lips, and she affirmed, "Without a doubt." Her arms found their way around his neck, sealing the connection between them.
"Very well then," he murmured in a low, husky tone, drawing her closer with a firm grip on her waist. Their lips met in a passionate kiss.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she found herself inches away from his handsome face, gazing into his stormy gray eyes filled with desire and hunger. The warmth of his touch sent electric sparks across her skin, causing a shiver of anticipation to run down her spine.
As the kiss broke, he held her gaze, his voice a husky whisper. " Lady Briana, do you really want to do this?" he breathed, sending a tantalizing shiver down her spine. Her heart raced as they resumed their passionate kisses, the world around them fading away in their embrace.
Lips synchronized, tongues entwined in a dance of desire. Lost in his presence, she forgot everything but the intoxicating sensation of being in his arms.
Her heart raced as his touch trailed lower down her back. As he began to ease her dress down, she instinctively held him closer, their bodies pressed together. Gavriel's response was a low groan, and he tightened his grip, deepening their fiery kiss.
Their kiss grew fiercer, each touch igniting more passion than the last. His hands explored her sides, igniting a fiery longing within her. With her leg wrapped around his waist, their connection intensified.
"I can't hold back anymore," he growled with frustration, his fingers tangling in her curly hair. His touch sent shivers down her spine as he brushed his hand along her bare thighs beneath the hem of her dress.
Suddenly, he broke away. "Your clothes," he pointed out, his eyes fixed on her chest and abdomen. With a sensual smile, she let her dress slip down her legs, revealing her naked form.
As her gaze met his, she felt his hardened desire pressing against her. With a tender kiss on her shoulder, his lips traced a path to her neck, bestowing sweet sensations that made her moan in pleasure.
He moved away, eyes locked onto hers as his thumb brushed her lips gently. Whispers in her ear urged her onto the table. As she complied, he lavished her body with butterfly kisses, igniting an electric fervor.
His touch on her intimate places made her gasp and tremble, sensations building. His fingers and tongue danced, creating waves of pleasure that overwhelmed her. As he teased her breasts, his thumb ventured within her.
A wave of ecstasy engulfed her, causing her to shudder and moan. Breathless and weak, she met his gaze, questioning the pause.
His eyes dark with desire, he murmured, "Not today." With a soft order to leave, he departed without looking back. Briana blushed, trying to shake off the memory of their intimate encounter.
She descended from the table, swiftly dressing herself. Her heart pounded as she headed for the door, casting a final glance back at the manor, where Gavriel's figure lingered in her thoughts. With a wistful sigh, she stepped out, closing the door behind her, and walked briskly into the night.
***
Silently, Briana infiltrated Ravenshield Manor, a specter in the shadows, her footsteps cautious and swift. Her heart quickened its beat as she neared the rear entrance, a gateway to the servants' quarters. With bated breath, she nudged the door open, revealing a dim corridor that beckoned her forward.
Her movements were graceful, her gown a whisper against the floor as she glided through the passage. Flickering candlelight painted elusive figures on the walls, casting an air of enchantment around her. With each step, she drew nearer to her destination – a remote chamber that would harbor her secrets.
Pulses of excitement mingled with the edge of apprehension, the thrill of secrecy intertwining with a cautious unease. Her slippered feet tread softly, guided by the gentle moonlight filtering through the windows. She paused at a crossroads, senses heightened, ensuring her path remained unseen.
Finally, she stood before her chamber, a sanctuary bathed in a serene luminescence. The door opened noiselessly, revealing a haven carved from the night. As the door closed behind her, the latch engaged in a hushed sigh. Within this haven, she released a pent-up breath, her heart steadying its frenetic pace.
As she slipped out of her cloak, memories of the earlier events flooded her mind.
"You've finally returned," a voice sounded, breaking the silence.
She gasped as her head turned, eyes widening as they met the speaker's intense gaze.