The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Alaric stood rooted to the spot, digesting Hertha's words before the penny dropped. He hurried after her, "Hertha, they're newlyweds, basking in their honeymoon bliss. Is it really right for me to intrude and expect thanks?"

"There's nothing wrong with it," Hertha said.

"Every moment of a honeymoon is precious, don't you know?" Alaric said.

"I wouldn't know; I've never had one," Hertha replied nonchalantly, not slowing her pace.

"How can you say you've never had one? Three years ago, we had our moment, and that night gave us two beautiful kids," Alaric whispered, edging closer to Hertha with a mischievous grin, his words laced with an intimacy only they could understand.

Just thinking about that night made Alaric's throat tighten and warmth spread through his abdomen.

make him feel this way. Just the thought of her was enough to stir

strangers passing by, with whom he never wanted a

together just once, she had lingered in

sweet intoxication, would swirl in his heart, impossible to

he thought of Hertha, the more his heart yearned for her,

of flitting from flower to flower, Alaric

the quagmire of love, unable

words, coupled with his roguishly

recoiled, stopping in her tracks to turn and glare at Alaric, her wide eyes shimmering with @mix

me?" Hertha hissed, bristling

could I be mocking you?