Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)

She couldn't help herself-her hand drifted upward, sneaking over to touch him, her movements secretive and shy.

Her fingertips brushed gently over his cheek, his brows, his nose, and finally, his lips...

Her thumb lingered on his thin lips, tracing them softly.

Her own heart thundered in her chest, and she had to swallow hard, her mind flashing with images that made her cheeks burn. Elysia yanked her hand back in a hurry.

Click-

But before she could retreat, Tarquin caught her finger between his teeth.

Elysia's eyes flew wide open in shock. "!"

She tried to pull her finger free, but he wouldn't let go.

His tongue curled around her fingertip, and her heart skipped a beat, her eyes going round as saucers.

She watched, helpless, as Tarquin's eyes-shut just a moment ago-opened, clear and sharp.

Elysia's heart leapt into her throat. "You were faking it?!"

Tarquin's gaze was dark as midnight, so intense she nearly forgot to breathe. He looked at her like a wolf, just woken up, spotting a rabbit right in front of him.

Elysia suddenly realized the danger. "You... You let go right now!"

Tarquin didn't. He just looked even more tempting.

Elysia's breath came fast, her face flaming red, like someone was tickling her with

a feather right at her core. It was maddening.

"Tarquin! You're incorrigible!" she gasped.

The way she said his name-half furious, half flustered-almost made him surrender right there.

Tarquin bit down lightly before finally letting her go. Then, in one smooth move, he

rolled over and pinned her beneath him.

"Trying to mess with me, huh?"

Elysia stiffened, denying it, chin up. "No, I wasn't!"

"Oh, really? Then what were you just doing?”

"I... I thought there was something on your lips. I wanted to wipe it off."

Tarquin knew she was lying. He squinted at her, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Oh yeah? What was on my lips?"

"Uh... a crumb. From dinner."

"Is that so?"

“Uh-huh!” Elysia nodded furiously, like a bobblehead.

"Well, sweetheart, you've got a crumb on your lips too."

"Huh?!"

"Let me help you with that." He dipped his head and captured her lips with his.

Elysia squeaked in protest, "Mmm-!"

Tarquin tugged the blanket up over both of them...

The small bedroom filled with the sounds of laughter and mock outrage, voices tangled together.

When it was all over, Elysia lay sprawled, breathless and spent, while Tarquin stared at the ceiling, clearly frustrated.

Someone was still unsatisfied. But he knew there were things to do today, so he held back.

Once Elysia had caught her breath, she gave him a sharp pinch.

"Didn't you say yesterday you'd give me a break for a while?" "...You started it."

"I did not!"

She glared at him, fierce as a kitten, and Tarquin couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, okay, don't be mad," he said, reaching for something by the bed. "I've got a surprise for you."

Elysia narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.

"L

11

"You wanted those samples, right? I got them for you."

Elysia froze, her whole expression changing in a heartbeat. "You mean the virus sample?"

"Yep. And the antidote, too."

Elysia gaped, stunned. "Are you serious?"

"Of course I am. When have I ever lied to you, babe?”

Elysia shot upright, then realized she wasn't wearing anything and ducked straight back under the covers.

She didn't bother with her embarrassment-there were more important things at hand. "Where are they?!"

"In the car."

"How did you get them?"

"That's a secret."

"You... you didn't actually steal them, did you?"

"Of course not. Didn't I tell you? No stealing."

No stealing. Just a little... creative acquisition.

Last night, he and Axel had snuck out on a midnight mission for exactly this

reason.

Elysia, still worried, pressed, "You're sure these are the real virus samples? There's no mistake?"

"Trust me, sweetheart. When do I ever mess things up?"

Elysia was so excited she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. "You are amazing!"noveldrama

Tarquin's Adam's apple bobbed. "Any reward for your hero, then?"

Elysia yanked the blanket up and covered his head, hiding his teasing grin.

"You got your reward already. Now close your eyes and no peeking-let me get cleaned up, and then we're heading out to see Grandma!"