Page 156 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"I'm full of surprises," Caspian said, leaning down to kiss her neck.

Caroline made a soft sound of pleasure. "Caspian..."

"Mmm?"

"We should probably get up," Caroline said, though she tilted her head to give him better access. "Have breakfast. Be responsible adults."

"We could," Caspian agreed, his lips trailing lower. "Or..."

"Or?" Caroline's voice was breathless now.

"Or I could make love to my wife again," Caspian murmured against her skin. "Properly. In the morning light. So I can see every expression on your face."

Caroline's breath hitched. "Again? Already?"

"I have three months of celibate marriage to make up for," Caspian said, his hand sliding along her thigh. "And you're in my bed, warm and willing and beautiful. Why would I want to leave?"

"That's... a fair point," Caroline managed.

"Besides," Caspian continued, moving over her, bracketing her body with his arms. "I'm discovering I very much enjoy this aspect of marriage."

Caroline laughed, the sound turning into a soft gasp as his mouth found the sensitive spot below her ear. "I've noticed."

"Are you complaining?" Caspian asked, pulling back to look at her.

"Absolutely not," Caroline said, pulling him down for a kiss. "Though I reserve the right to tease you about your... enthusiasm."

"Tease all you want," Caspian said, his voice dropping lower. "I'll just have to find ways to make you too breathless for words."

"That sounds like a challenge," Caroline said, her amber eyes sparkling with mischief and desire.

"Consider it a promise," Caspian said, and kissed her deeply.

What followed was slow and tender and thorough. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, painting everything in gold. There was no urgency this time, no desperate need driving them forward.

Just two people choosing to be together. Choosing this intimacy. This connection.

This love.

◆◆◆

Much later, they lay tangled together in the sheets, both thoroughly satisfied and completely disheveled.

Caroline's stomach rumbled again, loudly.

"Now we definitely need breakfast," she said, laughing.

"I'll ring for the servants," Caspian said, but made no move to actually get up. He was sprawled half on top of her, careful to keep his weight off her belly, his face buried contentedly against her neck.

"Caspian."

"Mmm?"

"You're still on top of me."

"I'm aware."

"The servants can't bring breakfast if you don't actually ring for them," Caroline pointed out.