Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Duke closed that last fraction of space between us with urgency like he was afraid that I will change my mind if he delays.

A second later, his flavors filled me up as he deepened the kiss, and my soul shivered in pleasure.

Duke's scent, taste, pressure, friction, his presence all around me… it was euphoric.

We were lying on the chaise and embracing each other while kissing like people who were starving.

I never knew that a kiss can be so intense and that someone's proximity can be so invigorating.

It was soothing and tantalizing at the same time and I enjoyed it profusely, but I craved for more. Much more.

Something swelled inside my chest and expanded in waves, with every stroke of his tongue against mine.

His right hand disappeared into my hair, and he grabbed a fistful, holding me in place, while his left one held my waist firmly, ensuring we stay as close as possible.

Duke leaned over me, and the kiss became deeper as my hands snaked around his neck.

I imagined us kissing many times before, but it was never like this. There was comfort and passion and an immeasurable amount of tenderness, all within the confinement of emotions I didn't know I was capable of.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I acknowledged my love, pure love for the man who was kissing my reasoning away.

With every passing moment, the emotions within me grew, and I felt like I'm going to explode, and in a way, I did when a moan escaped me, and he smiled into the kiss.

That smile told me he was in control, and I hated and loved it at the same time.

I wanted to be in control, but Duke overwhelmed me in every way possible and I had no will left to resist him or these intense waves of emotions that crashed on me.

As if he could feel that I'm reaching my threshold, Duke slowed down and gave me a few small pecks before wrapping me tightly in his embrace.

He buried his face in my hair without a word spoken and only his labored breathing told me that he was affected by the kisses.

My arms circled around Duke, and I took a deep breath, inhaling Duke's scent of pine trees mixed with the ocean and my eyes fluttered open when I realized that there is some sweet scent mixed in as well.

This was new and unknown, from where…?

My thoughts paused when I saw behind Duke the tall trellis covered in purple and white blooms.

It was the passionflower.

How was that possible? Only green leaves were there that same morning, and Aldus told me they will bloom in about one month.

Can they all bloom within hours or was this another ability?

How?

When?

I wanted to investigate, but I couldn't with Duke around. I didn't want him to think of me as a freak.

I decided to leave it for later and to focus on the man who was holding me tightly.

I buried my face in Duke's neck and took in a satisfying breath. How can a man smell so good?

…

The rest of the day with Duke passed like a flash.

I told him about Zoe, Luca, and Ash. It was a modified story of me hiking with Aldus and finding three teens in the forest who were on their own.

"And you took the responsibility for them?", Duke asked with his eyes open wide. He definitely didn't expect that, and I was happy that I can surprise him.

Of course, instead of telling him that three teens are staying with Fynn (aka the werewolves), I told Duke that they are in a private boarding school.

"They are good kids. They should not be punished because their parents took the wrong path. All three of them are doing great in school and are amazing young people."

Duke nodded faintly. "It's great that they didn't waste the chance you gave them. I look forward to meeting them."

I wished that I can tell him the whole truth, but omitting parts about non-humans was easier than I thought it will be.

I enjoyed that he listened attentively, not missing a single word. Constant hand-holding was a bonus.

"Do you want us to go out for dinner?", Duke asked.

I didn't want to go out. "We had late lunch."

Once I said this, I wondered if he was hungry. It would be a disaster that Duke came to my place and was starving only because I have no need to eat.

"Would you like to eat? I can get my staff to prepare something."

He smiled, enjoying the concern I showed.

"This is not about the food, Serina, but about us spending time together. I would like to take you somewhere nice. We missed so many dates, it's time to make up for them."

As much as I was tempted, going on a date with Duke sounded overwhelming.

That same morning, I was convinced that I will face rejection and heartbreak, yet we were on the sofa in my living room, holding hands, and Duke's bewitching half-smile was directed my way.

And there was also another thing. "You told me that Magda ruined the last girl who went on a date with you. Considering that the Giantshade Industries has their hands in pharmaceuticals, I will need to talk to my father about safety measures before we go out in public together."

Duke's handsome eyebrows furrowed.

"Are you telling me that you don't want to go out with me?"

"Can you not be so dramatic? We just spent half a day together. Why are you acting like I'm avoiding you?"

Duke's face fell. "I know, I know. It's just… I dreamed about this for such a long time. I have a list of places where I want us to go, and I hate that Magda can impact us in any way."

Oh, God! Can he be any sweeter?

I had to find some way of comforting him. "We can still go, just not in London."

His eyes lit up. "We can go to the countryside, or…"

"Slow down.", I interrupted him. "How about you give me a moment to think?"

I had a hunch that he will start with his big plans that might lead to us buying a house in a different country.

I thought of something. "I have an event in Frankfurt next week. Will you join me?"

His big smile told me he is coming, but he still asked while trying to sound cool about it, "What kind of an event?"

"Our partner company is organizing an event that will focus on their latest products in the pharmaceutical industry. There will be a presentation and dinner with some socializing."

"Am I qualified to go there?"

I rolled my eyes. Why is he playing hard to get? "Fine if you don't want to…"

"No, no, no…", he said quickly. "I am more than qualified to go. As your date."

"As my date.", I confirmed. "It's on a Friday and if your schedule allows it, we can stay until Sunday. Allow me to plan for accommodations. Since you are accompanying me, I will take care of everything."

Duke grinned. "You can take care of me anytime…"

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