You may now kill the Bride

Seduction of senses

The knock at the door broke the silence, and Lexi's heart fluttered in her chest. She hadn't been expecting Reg, hadn't invited him over. But as she opened the door, she was taken aback. He stood in the threshold, a bouquet of her favorite flowers in his hand, a few scented candles clutched in his other.

"Hey," he said, a charming smile on his face. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd surprise you."

Lexi felt a flutter in her chest as she stepped aside, allowing him in. There was something different about Reg tonight, something that drew her in. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, his eyes warm and inviting. Or maybe it was the way he moved, his steps confident and predatory.

As he set the candles on the coffee table, the room was suddenly bathed in a soft, golden light. The scent of vanilla and jasmine filled the air, making Lexi's head spin. It was her favorite, the same scent as the candles in her bedroom.

Reg turned to her, the flowers now clutched in one hand. The other rose, cupping her cheek. "You look beautiful, Lexi," he murmured, his gaze roaming over her face. "I don't see you enough."

Lexi felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she met his gaze. There was a sincerity in his eyes, a genuine affection. And as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

This was the Reg she'd fallen for, the one who made her feel seen and cherished. The one who made her believe, if only for a moment, that she was more than just a business deal.

As the candles flickered, casting shadows on the wall, Reg turned her into his arms. His lips found hers, the kiss a slow burn of heat and desire. It was a kiss that spoke of years of longing, of unfulfilled potential.

Lexi felt herself melt into him, her hands sliding up his chest. The flowers were forgotten, abandoned on the table. All that mattered was this moment, this feeling of being alive.

As they broke apart for air, Reg rested his forehead against hers. "I'm glad I came over," he murmured, his voice low and rough. "I've missed you, Lexi."

Lexi stared up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. She had missed him too, more than she'd realized. She'd missed the way he made her laugh, the way he challenged her. She'd missed the way he saw her, as a woman, not just a means to an end.

As she looked into his eyes, she felt a pang in her chest. She couldn't marry him, couldn't tie herself to a man she didn't truly know. But as she stared up at him, she realized one thing - she couldn't forget him either.

Because as much as Reg had deceived her, he'd also touched her. And as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him back in, she knew she had a choice to make. She could let him go, start anew. Or she could take a chance on him, on them.

As the candles burned, casting a warm glow over the room, Lexi made her decision. She'd take a chance on Reg, on them. She'd give him the opportunity to prove himself, to show her the truth. And she'd pray she wasn't making a mistake.

Because as Reg's lips met hers once more, Lexi knew one thing - she still believed in love. And as she lost herself in his kiss, she realized she was willing to fight for it.