Chapter 6016

He brushed a light kiss across her forehead. “It’s late. I should head back…”

Before he could pull away, he caught her lips in a lingering kiss that swallowed the rest of his sentence.

“Don’t go to the Guest Reception Annex,” she said quickly, cheeks flushing. “Stay here in my quarters. We can study the scrolls anytime.”

The words rushed out, coloring her face an even deeper pink, but she didn’t look away. Determination glowed through her embarrassment.

Jared chuckled, his voice low and teasing. “Study the scrolls? Or are we planning to research something a little more personal?”

He pinched her crimson cheek playfully. She squeaked and buried her face against him again.

Her arms tightened around his waist. Jared felt the familiar shift—the way a woman, once she had given herself fully, instinctively clung to the man who held her first.