"Oh, God, yes, please," says Adaline, blushing, laughing, cradling his face in her hands as he kisses her again. She feels worshipped by him, the way he touches her, the way he looks at her. It's so different than it was with Ellis, with William and, God, that's exactly what she needs right now. "Is it bad that I'm a little disappointed that you're not on your knees anymore?"

She bites her lip over a wicked little smile.