Delighted by Penelope’s reaction to his impromptu idea, Crow’s mischievous smile turned affectionate. He enjoyed watching her look over the room before his eyes drifted down to the dress that adorned her body. In the low light provided by the candles, the fabric’s gold color seemed to have an unearthly glow to it, adding to the attractive features it already accentuated on her figure. He loved the way it looked on her. He also couldn’t wait to take it off.

“If I do this every time, the novelty will wear off,” the viceroy objected with a laugh. “But I suppose I can try more often since you like it so much.” As her gaze landed on him again, a thrill of excitement shot up his spine, and he wasted no time wrapping his arms around the small of her back when she rushed into him. The feeling of their lips meeting so passionately stole his breath away and made his heart pound in his chest. It had been far too long since they had last been able to kiss each other this way. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d longed to close the distance between them.

When she pulled back, he panted lightly, trying to quell the lightheadedness that had set in while he’d gotten lost in her lips. “I missed you too,” he murmured, closing his eyes as she teased the skin of his neck. Every little touch felt amplified after they had spent so much time apart, and he wondered if tonight, the feeling of her lithe body against his and her slender fingers on his back would drive him mad.

There was only one way to find out.

The mischievous smile returned to his face just before he swept his arm behind Penelope’s legs, lifting her into his arms and carrying her over to the bed. As he set her down on the mattress, he climbed up as well and straddled her hips, leaning down to kiss her again. His hands slid down her sides and then back up again, following the length of her arms until he twined his fingers with hers above her head. Even though he was eager to push for more, there was no rush. No one knew where they were, and no one would come looking for them for hours. He took his sweet time as he trailed his lips against her jawline.

“I’ve wanted you for so long…” he whispered, his voice breathy with desire. He pressed another kiss to her soft lips and met her gaze in the dark. “I love you so much, Penelope.”