The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1423

Hertha barely came up to Alaric's shoulder, and as he stumbled beside her, his entire frame seemed to press down upon her, casting a shadow that enveloped her in its dark embrace. His gaze, which had been looking downward, met Hertha's face head-on.

Flushed with worry and anxiety, her cheeks bore a touch of pink, and her round, doe-like eyes were wide with surprise as they locked with his.

Alaric hadn't expected to be this close to her so abruptly. He could feel her breath, quick and erratic, and the subtle scent of her body wash was unmistakable in the air.

A warmth spread through his lower belly, his throat tightening in response.

Impulsiveness was Alaric's hallmark. He was never one to deny himself what he wanted.

He lowered his head, his lips inching closer to Hertha's.

The sight of his handsome face looming larger before her, his breath warm upon her skin, sent Hertha's heart racing, her thoughts a tangled mess.

Every inch of her body screamed to kiss him, yet her rationality held her back.

Just as Alaric's lips were about to claim hers, Hertha put up her hand, blocking him, her eyes wide with refusal. "Alaric, this is too much," she protested. "In the corridor outside the meeting room, you acted out to spite your fiancée, and now this? By what right do you think you can kiss me?"

Alaric's advance halted, his lips now touching only the coolness of Hertha's fingers. The heat from his lips clashed with the chill of her fingertips, a fiery dance that sparked something wild within.

Capturing her hand that had stopped his kiss, Alaric's voice was husky as he spoke, "Isn't this what you wanted?"

As he spoke, his fingertips gently caressed Hertha's arm, the rough touch against her smooth skin sending a tantalizing shiver through her.