“I’ve been keeping secrets from my family, my friends, even you. Maybe it’s time for the Debutante Underground to come out of the shadows.”

“I understand why you’ve kept the meetings a secret up until now,” he said earnestly. “But I can also see how that would create its own set of problems. Sometimes revealing your secrets releases you from their power … and frees you. Whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you.”

“I’ll have to ponder it for a bit, and speak with all the other members,” Sophie said, but she was already warming to the idea. “In the meantime, I think we should head to the garden.”

He picked up the quilt and one of the lanterns, then handed the other to her. “Let’s go.”

They strolled down a winding walkway, past lushly blooming flower beds populated with charming stone statues of woodland animals, sprites, and nymphs. They heard the cheerful splash of the waterfall before they saw it, and when they reached the clearing, Reese set their lanterns near the reflecting pool and spread the quilt on the grass.

“It’s so warm,” Sophie said, frowning at the skirt of her gown, which stuck to her legs like a gauzy cobweb.

“I know how we can cool off,” Reese said. He was already shrugging out of his jacket and pulling off his boots. Sophie gleefully attacked the laces of her gown, and before long, they had both stripped off every stitch of their clothing.

His eyes turned dark with desire, and something like a growl escaped his throat. “You’re gorgeous, Soph.”

“So are you.” To be precise, he looked like a god. Her very own Prince of Darkness. And she never, ever wanted to leave him again.

He moved behind her and slowly removed the handful of pins left in her hair, running his fingers through the honey-colored strands as he kissed the column of her neck. “You’re mine,” he murmured, sending a shiver through her limbs. “Always and forever.”

His wicked hands cruised up her sides, beneath her swollen breasts, and over the curves of her hips. When her knees wobbled, she leaned into him, and he easily scooped her into his arms. “I have another special place to show you.”

He carried her toward the edge of the pool and behind the fall, where they were surrounded by cool rock on one side and clear water on the other. She snuggled against his hard, warm chest as she stuck a toe through the chilly, wet curtain.

He arched a dark brow. “How does it feel?”

“Perfect.”

He shot her a grin that made her belly flutter. “Want to walk through with me?” he asked.

“Of course,” she said, holding on a little tighter. “I want to go everywhere with you.”