“But then, as I turned to leave, she commented on my necklace. Specifically, the clasp, noticing it was antique. Not many people can spot a 1920s antique clasp from across the room, so I figured this woman might know a thing or two. And, judging from the way your eyes are going all goofy and stupid right now, I’d say she definitely knew her lingerie.”

“My eyes do not go goofy and stupid,” I argued.

“How do you know?” She grinned.

I bent down to appreciate her lips. Slowly. Tenderly.

“Because the way you make me feel is far from stupid. It’s maddening, crazy, and—”

“Roman?”

“Yeah?” I said softly against her soft lips.

“I love you.”

My heart squeezed tightly inside my chest, reminding me of the hour. Of the phone call I’d had. Of the possibility that she might never say those words to me again. Because when tomorrow came and Lauren found her…

“I love you, too. Always. No matter what,” I said in a blind panic.

My mouth devoured hers. There was no more time for joking. No more time for candy hearts or flowers.

There was only this, and if this was all I had left, I’d make damn sure she remembered me.

Even when she hated me.

We were a twisted, tangle mess of naked limbs and echoing moans. Lovers in motion. As much as I adored her in red lace, I loved her more naked, and the beautiful teddy she’d bravely worn for me was thrown to the floor.

I needed my hands on her.

On all of her.

All at once.

Forever.

One more night would never be enough.

As if she could sense the desperation in my touch, her movements steadied, and her touch became tender.

“We have all night,” she said. “You don’t have to rush. I’m yours,” she pledged.

I closed my eyes, turning briefly, as I tried to push away the pain.

I could take her away.

Fire Lauren.

Do something, anything.

But I knew, none of it would matter. There would always be this burden hanging over my head, reminding me that I’d stolen something I didn’t deserve.

I didn’t deserve her.

It was as simple as that.

She was good. Honest and compassionate.

I was the kind of man who stole companies, slept with his assistant, and ruined lives.

We were never fated to be together.

Her gentle hand cupped my cheek, turning me toward her again.

“Make love to me, Roman,” her voice purred.

It was a request I couldn’t deny.

Because I’d never deny her anything.

Ever.

As our bodies joined, I never looked away. I stared into those dark brown eyes, watching them pulse with hunger and desire, as I slowly moved inside her. Every murmur, every tremor of need, was etched into my very soul as we made love that night.

I remembered it all.