In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 366

"I—"

"This—"

They spoke simultaneously, then stopped, exchanging awkward smiles.

"You first," Niko said.

Amelia took a deep breath. "I wasn't sure what to expect tonight," she admitted. "Of any of this, really."

Niko nodded slowly. "I know this isn't... conventional. I didn't want to presume anything."

"You mean about..." She gestured vaguely between them, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.

"I meant about all of it," he clarified. "The marriage, the expectations, the intimacy." He paused, his dark eyes finding hers. "I meant what I said earlier. I respect you, Amelia. I don't view you as merely a duty to fulfill or... or a vessel for providing heirs."

The directness of his words both surprised and touched her. "I appreciate that. Truly."

He hesitated, then continued, "I think we have the potential for something real between us. But I don't want to rush it. When we... if we..." He cleared his throat. "I want it to be because we both desire it, not because tradition dictates it should happen on our wedding night."

Relief washed through her, followed by a surprising flicker of courage. "And if I said I might desire it?" The words came out barely above a whisper.

Niko's eyes darkened. "Do you?"

Amelia set her water glass on the table, her heart pounding. "I felt something when you kissed me at the altar. And again during our dance. I'm not sure what it is yet, but I'd like to explore it. With you." She swallowed hard. "Unless I've misread things?"

"You haven't," he said quickly, his voice rougher than before. He moved slightly closer on the sofa. "I felt it too."

"Then why are we in separate bedrooms?" she asked softly.

Niko ran a hand roughly through his hair, a disarmingly human gesture from a man usually so composed. "Because I didn't want to pressure you. Because I wanted to give you space. Because..." He exhaled slowly. "Because I want this to be right, Amelia. You deserve that much."

She reached out hesitantly, placing her hand over his. "What if right is now?"

His eyes met hers, searching. Whatever he saw there must have reassured him, because he slowly raised his free hand to her face, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheekbone.

"May I kiss you?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

Amelia nodded, unable to find her voice as he leaned in, his lips meeting hers with gentle pressure. Unlike their ceremonial kiss, this one lingered, deepened. His hand slid to the back of her neck, fingers threading through her hair as he drew her closer.

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