Page 56 of Frost and Felines

She nodded, unable to resist the tender look in his eyes. She rested her head against his chest as they swayed together, listening to his steady heartbeat. For just this moment, she let herself pretend this wasn't ending.

The crisp winter air nipped at her face as the party spilled out onto the snow-dusted grounds. Kieran's suit jacket draped warmly around her, carrying his earthy scent. Her heart ached knowing these were their last moments together.

"Five minutes to midnight!" Charlotte called out, distributing sparklers to the gathered crowd.

Mallory turned to face Kieran, his blue eyes reflecting the dancing lights around them. "Thank you for dragging me out here tonight. It was... perfect."

His large hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin. "Stay."

"Kieran, please." She placed her hand over his. "Let's just... let's just have this moment."

A low rumble vibrated in his chest, but he nodded. "You're right. But know this - you will have a home here, Mallory. Always."

She blinked back tears, determined not to let her emotions trigger a storm. "These past weeks with you, with everyone... they've meant everything to me."

"Three minutes!" someone shouted.

Kieran pulled her closer, his arms wrapping possessively around her waist. "Then let's make these last minutes count."

She relaxed against his chest, memorizing the steady thrum of his heartbeat. Around them, guests chatted excitedly, and staff members arranged the fireworks. The air crackled with anticipation.

"One minute!"

"Kiss me like you mean it, tiger," Mallory whispered, tilting her face up to his.

His eyes darkened with desire. "As my wife commands."

"Ten! Nine! Eight!"

Kieran's grip tightened.

"Seven! Six! Five!"

Mallory's fingers curled into his shirt.

"Four! Three! Two! One!"

"Happy New Year!"

He captured her lips in a searing kiss that caused her toes to curl. Fireworks exploded overhead, painting the sky in brilliant colors, but she barely noticed. All she could focus on was theheat of his mouth on hers, the strength of his arms around her, and the way her heart seemed to beat in perfect sync with his. For a brief moment, she let herself believe in forever with him.

26

KIERAN

Kieran and Mallory's kiss soon broke, but the tension between them didn’t. He could feel her breath hitch, her body pressed flush against his, and her hands still gripping the fabric of his shirt like she was afraid to let go. The fireworks outside had faded, but the spark between them was blazing. He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, his voice low and rough with need.

"If this is our last night together," he whispered, the words barely audible over the distant hum of the party, "let’s make it one we’ll remember."

She hesitated, her light blue eyes searching his face. For a moment, he thought she would pull away, and retreat into the safety of her isolation. But then she nodded, a small, almost imperceptible movement, and that was all the confirmation he needed.

He didn’t wait. He took her hand, leading her through the inn, and into his suite. The moment the door shut behind them, the air shifted. It was electric, charged with something raw and undeniable.

Their hands soon moved in sync, desperate and wanting, tugging at buttons, zippers, anything that stood between them. Kieran’s shirt was gone in seconds, and her fingers traced the lines of his chest, sending tingles through his entire body. He returned the favor, peeling her dress off her, and letting it pool at her feet.

He stepped back for just a second, taking her in—her platinum hair tumbled over her shoulder, her eyes dark with desire, and her body trembling ever so slightly. She was breathtaking.

Kieran let out a low growl, the sound almost primal, as he lifted her off the ground and pressed her up against the wall. Her legs immediately wrapped around his waist as his hand roamed over her curves, her skin warm and soft under his touch. His lips found her neck, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone. She gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

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