Chapter 58

Achilles and Shea left the study, their playful banter continuing as they made their way through the mansion's dimly lit hallways. Their shoulders brushed occasionally, sending sparks of electricity through both of them.

"So, tell me," Achilles said, his voice low and teasing, "was it my dashing good looks or my charming personality that won you over first?"

Shea rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress her smile. "Oh please, you're about as charming as a grumpy bear."

"A grumpy bear, huh?" Achilles grinned, leaning in close. "I'll have you know I can be quite cuddly when I want to be."

"Is that so?" Shea challenged, raising an eyebrow. "I'll believe it when I see it."

They reached the door to Shea's room, both hesitating for a moment. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

"Well," Achilles said softly, his eyes never leaving hers, "this is your stop."

Shea nodded, her hand resting on the doorknob. "Seems like it."

Neither made a move to leave. Achilles stepped closer, his breath warm on her cheek. "You know, I meant what I said earlier. You were incredible tonight."

Shea felt her pulse quicken. "You weren't so bad yourself, for a grumpy bear."

Achilles chuckled, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "I think you'll find I'm full of surprises, Shea Wolfe."

"Is that a promise?" Shea asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Achilles leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "It's a guarantee."

Shea's hand lingered on the doorknob, her eyes locked with Achilles'. The air between them crackled with electricity, their bodies mere inches apart.

"You know," Shea said, her voice low and sultry, "it seems a shame to end the night so soon."

Achilles raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Oh? Did you have something else in mind?"

Shea bit her lower lip, her gaze flickering to her bedroom door and back to Achilles. "Well, I was thinking... why don't you stay the night in my room tonight?"

Achilles' breath caught in his throat, his eyes darkening with desire. "Are you sure about that, Shea? You know what might happen if I do."

Shea stepped closer, eliminating the last bit of space between them. She placed a hand on his chest, feeling his heart racing beneath her palm. "I'm counting on it," she whispered.

Achilles groaned softly, his self-control hanging by a thread. "You're playing with fire, you know that?"

"Maybe I like getting burned," Shea retorted, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Achilles chuckled, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "Well then, who am I to deny a lady's request?"

Shea grinned, turning the doorknob behind her. "So, are you coming in or not, grumpy bear?"

Achilles leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear. "Oh, I'm coming in alright. And I promise you, there won't be anything grumpy about what happens next."

Shea's heart raced as she stepped into her room, Achilles following close behind. The door clicked shut, sealing them in their own private world. The tension between them was palpable, electric.

"So," Achilles said, his voice low and husky, "here we are."

Shea turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Here we are indeed. What should we do now?"

Achilles took a step closer, his gaze intense. "I can think of a few things."

"Oh?" Shea raised an eyebrow, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Care to elaborate?"

Achilles reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch sent shivers down her spine. "I'd rather show you."

Shea's breath hitched as Achilles leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers. "I'm waiting," she whispered.

Achilles cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. "You're so beautiful," he murmured.

Shea's hands found their way to his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart beneath her palms. "You're not so bad yourself, grumpy bear."

Achilles chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. "There's that nickname again."

"It suits you," Shea teased, her fingers tracing patterns on his shirt.

"Does it now?" Achilles leaned in closer, his breath warm on her lips.

Shea nodded, her eyes fluttering closed. "Mmhmm."

Finally, Achilles closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, passionate kiss. Shea melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

The world faded away around them, leaving only the sensation of their lips moving together, their bodies pressed close. The kiss deepened, slow and exploratory, each of them savoring every moment.

Their kiss deepened as they sank onto the soft mattress, their bodies entwined. Shea sat up, her lips never leaving Achilles', her hands exploring the contours of his face, his neck. With a gentle push, she guided him down until he was lying on the bed, her lips still locked with his.

Shea straddled him, her hands roaming over his broad chest, savoring the feel of his muscles beneath her palms. Achilles moaned into her mouth, his hands gripping her hips, pulling her closer.

The kiss became more urgent, hungry even, as if they couldn't get enough of each other. Shea poured all her desire, all her longing, into that kiss, and somehow, Achilles matched it.

With a soft sigh, she broke the kiss, resting her forehead against his. "I've wanted this for so long," she whispered, her voice thick with desire.

Achilles gazed up at her, his eyes smoldering with unspoken emotion. "So have I," he murmured. "But we should—"

Shea placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. "I know. But just for tonight, let's forget everything else."

As if in response to her words, the soft, melodious chiming of the clock in the hall drifted into the room, signaling the late hour. But neither of them wanted to think about time or the complications that awaited them in the morning.

Achilles sat up, his hands sliding down to cup her face, his thumbs brushing her cheeks gently. "Then let's make the most of what we have," he whispered, his eyes shining with an intensity that mirrored her own.