Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 365

"Kieran?" His kisses trailed down her neck, leaving a heated path in their wake.

Julie managed to claw back a shred of sanity, cupping his face in her hands. He returned his attention to her lips, sealing them with a kiss that spoke volumes without uttering a word.

His pale, slender fingers lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist as he swept her up into his arms. Julie's arms twined around his neck for balance.

They fell onto the couch, his relentless kisses never ceasing. Her flimsy dress had long since ridden up around her waist.

The world spun, and in a hazy surrender, she gave herself to him, unreservedly.

After the exhaustion of their climax Julie couldn't muster the strength to move a finger. Only then did her wits start to trickle back. He tenderly carried her to the bathroom.

Like a contented cat, she lay in his arms, quiet and docile.

After testing the water, he gently placed her in the bathtub and reached for a towel to carefully wipe down her back.

The warm water cascaded down her back, forming pretty droplets.

"Kieran." Unexpectedly, Julie called out Kieran's name.

"Hmm?" His voice was as tender as his touch.

Julie bit her lip, her voice soft. "Being all gentle now...are you trying to atone for earlier?"

He continued to wipe her shoulders, his voice laced with humor. "Was I too rough?"

Julie's cheeks flamed red, but thinking of her future wellbeing, she braved the embarrassment. "No, it's not that. It's just...you last too long... Honey, I think for marital bliss, we need to be open and honest, especially about the how long it takes for you too..."

"Talk to it," he said, suddenly in front of her, pointing solemnly at his crotch.

The image that sprang to Julie's mind was ludicrous—discussing duration with Kieran's penis. She turned her face away, refusing to look at him.

"Kieran, you'll lose me if you keep this up!" Julie protested, averting her gaze. He chuckled and moved behind her. She turned her head away again, stubbornly avoiding his gaze.

Kieran nipped gently at the nape of her neck. She jerked around, retreating to the other end of the tub with a face full of wariness. "No more, I give up!"

"I've been thinking, maybe a shorter time isn't out of the question," he said seriously, but Julie had a bad feeling about his 'gentle' expression.

Through the steam, she heard him say, "Next time, don't hold back. If you're vocal, I doubt I could hold back either. Then, naturally, time could be...shorter."

Julie was at a loss for words, her face turning a deep shade of red. She tried to maintain a serious demeanor. "Get out!"

He stood and, playing along, rolled out of the room.

Julie exhaled and was just calming her nerves when he returned with a bathrobe.

She stood, and the considerate man wrapped the robe around her, his arms encircling her waist from behind, tying the sash for her. His breath tickled her ear.

"I can do it myself," she whispered, catching his wrist. Kieran didn't let go. Instead, he tied the belt from behind, then scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom.

Julie, clinging to his neck, whispered, "Why did we go straight to bed without a word earlier?"

"Without a word?" He asked seriously as he held her. "Wasn't it clear?"

From downstairs to the bedroom, there hadn't been a complete conversation between them.

"It's just a popular phrase, why are you taking it so literally? You're out of the loop because you don't keep up with social media," she teased, poking his chest.

"And why did you lie to Camilla, saying we were at the police station this afternoon?" Julie suddenly asked.

Kieran laid her on the bed and covered her with a blanket. He didn't answer her question, but instead asked, "What do you think of Camilla?"

Julie was taken aback by the question. After a moment, she replied with a hint of sarcasm, "My King, are you considering taking a concubine and seeking my counsel? Very well. Camilla is a vision; delicate beauty and grace. She would be a perfect match for you."

Hearing her tart tone, Kieran quickly got into bed, pulling her into his arms. "You think so?"

She laughed, eyes twinkling. "Yes, she’s a perfect match!"

"If I were a king, and could choose from thousands, I'd still only want you. Without you..."

"Without me, you will have others," she looked up at him.