Hidden Flames..

Chapter 36

Ethan and Lily's Paris trip was nothing short of a dream come true, filled with romance, adventure, and countless moments of laughter and connection. Every detail had been meticulously planned by Ethan, but he left enough room for spontaneity to make the experience truly magical.

Their first morning began with a leisurely stroll along the Seine. The golden sunlight reflected off the river, and Paris seemed to hum with its unique charm. Ethan surprised Lily with breakfast at a quaint café overlooking Notre-Dame, complete with buttery croissants and perfectly brewed coffee. They shared stories, their laughter blending with the soft murmur of the city waking up.

Later, they visited the Louvre. Lily was captivated by the art, and Ethan found himself more enchanted by her enthusiasm. When they stood before the Mona Lisa, Ethan whispered in her ear, "I think you outshine her." Lily blushed but couldn't hide her delighted smile.

As evening fell, Ethan took her on a private Seine river cruise. The Eiffel Tower lit up in the distance, casting a golden glow over the water. With glasses of champagne in hand, they toasted to the city and to each other. Their kiss under the stars was as timeless as Paris itself.

The second day was all about exploring the lesser known treasures of Paris. Ethan rented a vintage Vespa, and they zipped through the cobblestone streets, laughter echoing as Lily clung to him. They stopped at Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris, and wandered through its winding streets.

At Sacré-Cœur, they stood at the top of the steps, the entire city sprawled out before them. Ethan wrapped an arm around Lily, pointing out landmarks. "Someday, we'll come back here," he said softly. "But as husband and wife." Lily's heart swelled at his words, and she couldn't resist stealing a kiss.

The day ended with a surprise Ethan had planned for weeks: a visit to a hidden flower garden tucked behind a historic chateau. They walked hand in hand, surrounded by vibrant blooms, and Ethan pulled her close. "I wanted you to see this because it reminds me of you," he said. "Beautiful, vibrant, and full of life."

Ethan insisted on treating Lily to a day of shopping. They strolled through the luxury boutiques on Avenue Montaigne, where Ethan encouraged her to try on anything that caught her eye. Despite her protests, he spoiled her with a gorgeous dress that left her glowing.

For lunch, they indulged in crêpes from a street vendor and ate them while sitting on a park bench near the Eiffel Tower. Ethan wiped a stray bit of Nutella from her lip, the gesture so intimate that it made Lily's heart race.

That evening, they attended a candlelit dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. As they danced to soft jazz music, the lights of Paris twinkled around them. "This moment feels like a dream," Lily whispered. Ethan smiled, holding her closer. "Then I never want to wake up."

On their final day, Ethan surprised Lily with a hot air balloon ride just outside the city. As they floated above the French countryside, Lily clutched Ethan's hand tightly, marveling at the beauty below. "I've never felt so free," she said, her voice filled with wonder.

Ethan looked at her, his expression serious yet tender. "That's all I've ever wanted for you, Lily. To feel free, to feel loved, and to know that with me, you'll always have both."

As they descended back to the ground, Ethan knelt before her and pulled out a delicate charm bracelet. Each charm represented a memory they'd made together, and when he fastened it around her wrist, he promised, "This is just the beginning of the memories we'll create."

After returning to their villa, the serene Parisian night set the mood perfectly. Lily, feeling relaxed and blissful, changed into a delicate satin skirt night suit and decided to busy herself in the kitchen, preparing a light snack. The soft sound of utensils clinking and the warm glow from the overhead lights cast a cozy yet intimate atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Ethan stepped out of the shower, a towel slung low on his hips and another in his hands as he dried his damp hair. Walking toward the kitchen, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes locking onto Lily. She was humming softly, her back turned to him, the smooth fabric of her outfit clinging to her figure in the most enticing way.

Ethan leaned against the doorframe, unable to tear his gaze away. God, she's beautiful, he thought, his heart thundering in his chest. The way her hair fell over her shoulders, the curve of her waist, and the simple grace with which she moved—it all mesmerized him. But it wasn't just her beauty; it was everything about her that drew him in.

He didn't even realize he had crossed the room until he was standing right behind her. The intoxicating mix of her perfume and the faint scent of the food she was preparing was his undoing. Without a word, Ethan reached out, his fingers gently wrapping around her arm as he turned her to face him.

Before Lily could say anything, Ethan yanked her toward him and crushed his lips to hers. It wasn't a sweet, leisurely kiss—it was fierce, desperate, and raw, filled with all the passion and longing he had been holding back. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her impossibly closer, and she responded in kind, her arms winding around his neck.

The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as the world outside their embrace faded away. Ethan's hand slid up her back, tangling in her hair as he tilted her head to better claim her lips. Lily's heart raced, her knees threatening to give out as she clung to him.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads pressed together. Ethan's voice was a low growl as he murmured, "You drive me insane, Lily. Every second with you makes me want you more."

Lily looked up at him, her lips swollen from the intensity of the kiss, her cheeks flushed. "Then don't stop," she whispered, her voice trembling with desire.

Ethan didn't need any further encouragement. He scooped her up in one swift motion, carrying her toward the plush living room couch. He slid her skirt up, inch by inch,until the cool air hit her ass and upper thighs .Hedipped his hand inside her already-drenched panties and brushed the sensitivenub between her legs.

He pressed his body against her until she felt his rock hard erection against her thigh. Heat sizzled through her veins. "Yes. Please," she moaned.

His breath tickled her skin as he dragged his mouth down her neck until he reached the pulse fluttering wildly at the base of her throat.