Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 41

"Why are you standing there?" The man's voice was a fraction huskier than usual. "Come here."

Nora pressed her lips together and slowly walked over.

She stopped by the edge of the bed. Just as she hesitated over which side to get in, fingers wrapped around her wrist.

Hudson gave a gentle pull, and she tumbled straight into his arms.

The fresh scent of body wash, mixed with her natural, warm sweetness, instantly enveloped him.

Nora froze.

His arm banded around her waist, his palm resting against her flat stomach. The heat radiating from him seared through the thin fabric of her nightgown, branding her skin.

"Hudson..." Her voice trembled.

"Hmm?" He gazed down at her, his eyes fathomless and intensely predatory.

His stare sent her pulse racing. She tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

"Don't move," he murmured, his deep voice laced with restrained tension.

Nora instantly stilled.

Frozen in his embrace, she could vividly feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, the heavy thud of his heart.

Solid and powerful.

It sent a breathless flutter through her own chest.

"Are you afraid of me?"

Nora shook her head.

A faint, enigmatic smile touched Hudson's lips.

He reached up, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His fingertips brushed against her skin, sending a subtle shiver down her spine.

"Then why are you trembling?"

"..."

Nora kept her lips sealed, though her fingers unconsciously clutched the collar of his pajama shirt.

Hudson lowered his head, pressing a kiss to the crown of her hair.

The scent of her shampoo, blended with her intoxicating warmth, felt like a lethal temptation.

His kisses trailed downward, brushing her temple, her eyelids, the tip of her nose.

Finally, he captured her lips.

The kiss was softer than the night before, as if he were handling something incredibly fragile and precious.

Nora's breathing hitched.

Nora's mind reeled, and she abruptly brought her hands up, pushing against his chest.

"Wait... wait a second!"

Hudson paused, raising an eyebrow in question.

Nora bit her lip, seemingly searching for the right words. "I know you want to prove yourself, but you shouldn't push yourself when it comes to this..."

Hudson frowned slightly. "What?"

Nora decided to drop the subtlety and asked directly, "Did you... take something?"

"Take what?"

Nora pressed her lips together, her gaze darting downward for a split second before she swiftly looked away.

Her ears were burning red.

Hudson followed her line of sight, glancing down before lifting his eyes back to her, his expression unreadable.

"What do you think?"

Nora didn't reply.

She really didn't want to think about it.

Seeing her looking so flustered and alarmed, Hudson let out a low chuckle.