Chapter 4 Our Passionate Night, Her Perfect Timing

"Sarah, you can stay in the suite on the third floor," David said firmly. "It's quieter there, with a private bathroom."

Sarah pouted, her hand instinctively moving to her belly. "But Dave, the doctor said I shouldn't climb too many stairs in my condition. What if I fall? The baby—"

"There's an elevator," I cut in, unable to watch her manipulation any longer. "You can use it whenever you need."

Sarah's eyes narrowed slightly before composing her features into a helpless expression. "I suppose that would work. Though I was hoping to be closer in case I need anything during the night."

"The intercom connects to every room," David explained patiently. "If you need help, you can call us immediately."

Lauren patted Sarah's hand sympathetically. "Dear, the third-floor suite is lovely. It has the best view of the garden. And David is right—it's much quieter there."

After several more dramatic sighs and concerned glances at her belly, Sarah finally relented. "If you insist, Dave. I just hope nothing happens to the baby because of this."

I bit my tongue so hard I nearly tasted blood. The way she weaponized her pregnancy made my stomach turn.

Lauren helped Sarah settle into the suite, fussing over her like a mother hen. "I've arranged for some maternity clothes to be delivered tomorrow." I overheard her telling Sarah.

With final kisses on cheeks and promises to call, Lauren finally left. The front door clicked shut, and an uneasy silence settled over the house.

I turned away from David, busying myself with straightening the already perfect cushions on our sofa.

"Olivia," David's voice was soft as he approached me from behind. "I know this isn't ideal."

I didn't respond, my hands still mechanically adjusting the pillows.

"Look at me, please," he requested.

Reluctantly, I turned around. David held a small velvet box in his hands.

"I got this for you. For our anniversary." He opened the box to reveal a pair of stunning emerald earrings—the latest design from my favorite jeweler. The stones matched my eyes perfectly.

"They're beautiful," I admitted, my voice barely audible.

"I'm sorry about last night," David continued, setting the box on the coffee table and taking my hands in his. "And about Sarah being here. Her situation is complicated, and with her parents in Italy, she has no one else."

"She has money for designer dresses but not for a hotel?" I couldn't help asking.

David sighed. "She is pregnant and just got divorced. The doctor said there's a high risk of miscarriage. So my mother hopes we can help take care of her."

"And the necklace?" I asked, the image of the ruby pendant against Sarah's skin still burning in my mind.

"It wasn't your gift," David assured me. "The necklace was a welcome gift—my mom bought it for her, she just wanted me to pass it on to her promptly."

I wanted to believe him. More than anything, I wanted to trust that my husband wasn't falling back into old patterns with his ex.

"This is temporary, Olivia," David promised, his thumb gently stroking my knuckles. "Just until she gets settled. Our mothers have been friends for decades. Sarah's mother was there for mine when my father died. We owe them."

The sincerity in his eyes wore down my resistance. I exhaled slowly, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly.

"Fine. But ground rules are necessary. This is still our home."

David pulled me into his arms, his warmth enveloping me. "Thank you for understanding. You're incredible, you know that?"

His lips found mine, gentle at first, then increasingly urgent. His hands slid down to my waist, then lower, cupping and squeezing in a way that made my breath catch.

"I've missed you," he whispered against my neck. "Last night was supposed to be special."

"It still could be," I heard myself saying, my body responding to his touch despite my lingering anger.

David's eyes darkened with desire. Without warning, he lifted me into his arms and carried me to our bedroom, kicking the door shut behind us.

His mouth claimed mine again as he laid me on our bed, his weight pressing me into the mattress. My dress rode up as his hands explored, his touch leaving trails of fire on my skin.

"I love when you wear this," he murmured, his fingers tracing the lace edge of my underwear. "But I love taking it off even more."

My heart raced as he slowly undressed me, his eyes never leaving mine. The heat between us intensified with each garment removed, until I lay before him completely exposed.

"So beautiful," he breathed, quickly shedding his own clothes.

I reached for him, needing to feel his skin against mine. His muscled chest pressed against my softness, the contrast of textures making me shiver with anticipation. His mouth found my neck, then moved lower, each kiss more intense than the last. I gasped as his tongue circled my nipple, my back arching instinctively.

His hand slid between my thighs, finding me already ready for him. The skilled movements of his fingers made me moan his name, my hips rising to meet his touch. His mouth continued its journey downward until his tongue replaced his fingers, causing me to clutch at the sheets.

Just as the tension within me built to an almost unbearable height, David moved upward again. Our eyes locked as he positioned himself above me, then slowly pushed inside. The familiar fullness made me gasp, my legs wrapping around his waist to draw him deeper.

"Only you," he whispered against my ear, his voice rough with desire. "It's only ever been you like this, Olivia."

We moved together in perfect rhythm, finding that dance we'd perfected over our year together. My nails dragged down his back as he increased his pace, each thrust bringing me closer to the edge. Our bodies glistened with sweat, the room filled with the sounds of our passion.

I felt myself approaching that exquisite peak, my body tensing as waves of pleasure began to build. David's breathing grew ragged, his movements more urgent as he neared his own release. We were both teetering on the edge of ecstasy, just moments away from falling over together.

Then a sharp knock shattered the moment.