Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 152

Hudson looked down at her. That small face was covered in tear streaks, her eyes red and puffy, her nose flushed, and her lips glistening from the liquor.

He frowned slightly, his voice dropping an octave, carrying a hint of danger. "Who put these ideas in your head?"

Nora shrank back, not daring to mention Silas.

She simply shook her head, tears falling once more. "Just tell me, will you do it?"

Hudson stared at her for several seconds before letting out a soft sigh.

"No."

Nora looked at him in a daze, a tear still clinging to her eyelashes, trembling on the edge of falling.

Hudson unconsciously reached out with his thumb, gently brushing the corner of her eye. The pad of his finger wiped away the stubborn tear, the skin beneath his touch impossibly soft.

"Why are you always crying?"

His tone carried a sense of helplessness, mixed with a tenderness he didn't even realize he possessed.

"I might as well call you Crybaby."

The man's teasing voice was incredibly gentle. His warm breath ghosted over the young woman's face.

With only inches between them, his sharp, chiseled features loomed above, his dark eyes swirling with a heat he couldn't quite comprehend.

Suddenly, Nora tilted her head up and pressed a kiss to his lips.

The collision of cool and scorching heat spread from their lips, traveling down every nerve ending until it consumed them both.

Hudson's eyes instantly darkened into a predatory gaze.

As she slowly pulled back, he leaned in, chasing her lips.

His hand cupped the back of her head, pulling her firmly against him.

Laying her flat on the sofa, he braced himself above her, staring down at her quiet, sleeping face.

Asleep, she was even more obedient than when she was awake. No defenses, no walls. Just as soft as cotton candy.

Hudson stared at her for a very long time.

Long enough for the surging heat in his veins to finally settle down a fraction. Only then did he pull his hand out from beneath her clothes.

He lowered his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck, taking a deep breath.

The scent of her shampoo, mixed with her natural sweet warmth, enveloped him entirely. It acted like a soothing balm, slowly smoothing out the violent, restless urges churning in his chest.

"Silly girl..."

His raspy voice echoed right next to her ear, sounding like a sigh, or perhaps a murmur.

"How could I not know that you aren't Jade..."