Chapter 42

Noelle clung to Charles, her lips finding the curve of his neck, an oasis in the desert she felt lost in. His coolness was the perfect contrast to her fiery need. She was drawn to him, time and time again, desperate for a taste of his refreshing calm.

Charles's gaze grew more intense as he gently caressed Noelle's cheek with his cool hand. "Wake up!" he urged.

Noelle could not hear him. She just wanted to be close to him. "Don't push me away, it aches so much!" she pleaded.

Charles caught his breath, his self-control nearly shattering at the sound of Noelle's soft, seductive voice.

He was no saint, especially not when it came to Noelle. With her, he had always been a little more patient. Now, with this beautiful woman in his arms, willingly embracing him, he could not just stand there unaffected.

"Charles, it aches," Noelle's faint voice echoed in his ear. Her fiery lips brushed against his earlobe, nibbling with impatience. Charles's eyes darkened, his hand cradling the back of h