Page 253 of My French Love Affair

His hands find my waist with an ease that sends a shiver through me, his fingers pressing just firmly enough to remind me exactly who’s in control here.

Exactly who I belong to.

And without thinking - without hesitating - I throw my arms around his neck and press myself into him, holding on tight.

A shaky exhale escapes me as I bury my face in his shoulder, my heart pounding, my body thrumming with excitement, with pride, with something I can’t quite name - something warm and terrifying that I refuse to acknowledge just yet.

His body stiffens for the briefest second, like he wasn’t expecting this, but then he melts into me.

His grip tightens around my waist, one hand sliding up my back, the other pressing into my hip, pulling me flush against him as he lets out a quiet chuckle, his breath warm against my hair.

"Mon ange," he murmurs, his voice rough, almost tender. "If I knew winning would get this reaction, I would have done it sooner."

I laugh, my arms still looped around his neck, but I don’t let go. Not yet.

I exhale, trying not to melt into him completely. After a long beat, I finally release him and step back, my eyes dancing over him from head to toe.

"I see you survived the race."

His lips twitch. "And I see you won your bet."

"A very profitable bet.”

"Then I expect you to spend it wisely."

"I was thinking about buying a yacht."

He chuckles, shaking his head.

"Not quite at my level yet, but I admire the ambition."

"Guess I need another bet, then."

His smirk deepens, his fingers tracing lazy patterns against my hip.

"You’re already addicted to me, aren’t you?”

"Ohplease," I scoff. "I’m addicted towinning."

His laugh is low and indulgent, and before I can say anything else, he leans in and presses a slow, deliberate kiss to my lips.

My stomach flips, my fingers curling against his chest as warmth spreads through me.

"Okay, seriously - can you twonothave eye sex in front of us?”

Frederic chuckles against my mouth at the sound of Emma’s groan before pulling back slightly, turning to acknowledge the rest of the group.

"Ladies," he says smoothly. "I hope you’ve all been enjoying the weekend."

"Oh, we have," Jas smirks. "More so now that our girl here is in the winner’s circle."

"You chose well, Pops," Emma adds, nudging me.

I roll my eyes, but before I can respond, Frederic speaks again.

"Since you’re here, you’re all welcome to join us tonight. The team is heading out to celebrate."

"Where?" Leah asks, arching a brow.

---