Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 196

His breathing instantly grew ragged, his Adam's apple bobbing sharply.

Nora felt his heart rate suddenly spike, hammering relentlessly against her palms, beating even faster than her own.

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" His voice was completely wrecked.

Nora didn't speak.

But she didn't let go, either.

She lowered her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering wildly like butterfly wings, betraying her overwhelming nervousness.

Hudson took a sharp intake of breath.

He squeezed his eyes shut as if making a monumental choice.

When they snapped open again, every last ounce of restraint had shattered.

When his mouth crushed down on hers, Nora's mind completely blanked out.

This was nothing like their previous fleeting touches. This kiss was deep, forceful, fueled by a ferocious hunger he had suppressed for far too long, devouring her as if trying to brand her into his very soul.

Nora was left breathless, her hands pressing against his chest but utterly failing to budge him an inch.

"Hudson..."

She tried to speak, but he swallowed the words before they could escape her lips.

She wanted to pull back, but his arms were banded around her waist like steel, locking her firmly in place.

Her thoughts turned fuzzy, as if melting in a pool of hot water, sapping every last drop of her strength.

She could feel the scorching heat of his hands sliding along her waist through the delicate fabric of her dress, burning right against her skin.

The lights flicked off.

Moonlight spilled through the gap in the curtains, painting a silver path across the floor.

The sheets rustled heavily, the bedding twisting into chaotic knots.

The moon glowed brilliantly outside, while an intense, intoxicating passion unfolded within...

...

Her voice trailed off at the end, flooded with intense guilt.

Hudson remained silent for two seconds.

Then, he laughed.

It wasn't a loud laugh, just a deep rumble in his chest that sent faint ripples across the surface of the water.

Nora felt so mortified she wanted to drown herself right there.

"So you just assumed I was impotent?" His voice was laced with humor, but the look in his eyes darkened considerably.

Nora stayed silent, but her expression screamed: *What else was I supposed to think?*

Looking at her pouting, utterly clueless expression, Hudson smiled.

He swept her out of the tub and carried her over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, pressing her gently against the cool glass.

"Honey."

His voice was a scorching whisper directly against her ear. "Then you better pay close attention, and decide for yourself exactly how capable I am."