After the party, Lara and Nate reached the car.

?Do you want to take a stroll?? he asked her.

She nodded, her cheeks slightly pink.

He drove to another place, for he didn't want to stay too close to the party.

The best place to walk in that period of the year was the old park in the residential area where Nate's penthouse was. They were also close to home and could go back at any moment.

Some of the trees were in full bloom, but it was night. The buds were closed and hiding in the leaves, and the darkness didn't allow to discern the colours. In such a scenario, they had to walk and feel the scent of flowers and early fruits without seeing much.

Lara's hand had found Nate's, and she had entwined their fingers tightly. Her simple action had made him sigh in awe, but he knew it was because of that single - of that half - cocktail. She was cheery that night, and she would look at him and sigh or observe the surroundings with a blush.

The moon was round in the sky; not yet full, but almost.

?It was fun, all in all,? Lara commented. ?The best part was being called CEO Woods's woman. It was very fun.?

?Fun?? he blurted out.

Why was it fun? He was serious about her, and he had made it clear they were dating. To everyone who asked or assumed.

He was doing everything the right way, so how could she consider it... funny?

?Yes,? she nodded, ?it made me feel light and happy.?

?Oh, that kind of funny.?

?Yes,? she repeated.

?You are light, Lara,? he said. ?After a couple of sips, you're already like this.?

?It's because I'm not used to alcohol anymore. I could bear more than this when I was younger.?

?Sure,? he sighed.

She stopped walking, tugging his hand to make him halt as well.

?Nate,? she said, ?I feel weird. So weird... Just like that night.?

?Hmm?? he moaned, stepping closer and caressing her face. ?Are you feeling unwell??

She shook her head and stood on tiptoe. Her free hand landed on his shoulder, gripping the expensive suit to make him stay. Then, she closed her eyes.

Was it an invitation to kiss her?

Nate had no time to wonder about it because it was not an invitation. Lara pressed her lips on his and sighed in relief.

Just like that time, and like on the beach. She didn't fear taking the first step. Too bad she wasn't in her right mind at that moment.

His hand let go of hers, and he dragged her in his hug.

?You'll kill me like this,? he breathed to her ear.

She arched her back at the sound of his voice, and she moaned lightly.

?Say something again,? she requested, her fingers still gripping on his jacket. She wasn't standing on her feet anymore, abandoned against his arms and clinging on his shoulders. ?Anything at all, I just want to hear your voice...?

?Oh, Lara,? he moaned. He did promise he would keep control. But... why? What made him say such stupid words?historical

?You said you wanted to take this dress off,? she continued. ?Why don't you??

?We're in public, dear. It's a public park.?

?Oh, who cares? Just kiss me already!?

That said, she blocked his head with her hands, each on one cheek, and she pressed her lips on his again. This time, her shy tongue split his lips, finding its way in his mouth.

Coming to terms with the fact he wasn't such a strong man, all things considered, Nate allowed her to do as she pleased. He even reciprocated; all his being would feel pain if he didn't.

He kissed her back, moving his palm on the back of her head. He did use a little of his power and the Alpha's aura as he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.

In between the shadows, they were kissing like teenagers. Their hands were caressing each other, sweet and longing.

More than lust, it was nostalgia. As if their souls had been thirsty for each other, and they could again feel the closeness of being in contact with a mate.

When they split, both breathless, they looked each other in the eye. They didn't blink or move, hypnotised.

Lara was the first to act. She pulled him to a bench and waited for him to be seated before straddling him. She wasn't thinking anymore, just like that night of six years before. But she didn't need thinking, right?

Being close to Nate was enough for her body and soul.

They returned kissing just as before, sweetly. Their hands, though, became more daring. Every caress was more sensual, and every breath was hastier. They needed each other more than they needed air, and the thought they were making out in the open didn't bother their brains. Rationality was long lost, and it felt so right that they couldn't complain.

Nate's lips split from Lara's just to land on her jaw, licking and pecking their way down. He finally reached her neck, and he grazed her skin with his teeth. No wolf fangs made their appearance, for he had no intention of hurting her in any way.

Still, the shiver that crossed his mate's body, her goosebumps, and the way she let out a desperate breath made him halt.

She was human, and he was a wolf. It might have been uncomfortable for her.

?Is it all right?? he inquired, breathing not to wake them from their trance. It was too blissful to let it go.

As Lara moaned in approval, her eyes shut and her chin high in the air, exposing her neck like a submissive wolf or a spoiled cat, Nate's eyes landed on that damned neckline. It was in the way, that tricky dress. She was beautiful in it, of course.. But he wanted to feel her skin even more than that tiny bit.