The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1636

The touch against his cheek was soft and sweet, sending a rush of excitement that made Alaric tighten his grip around Hertha's waist in an attempt to steady the overwhelming emotions threatening to burst free. Heat flushed his face.

Hertha, with her cheek pressed to Alaric's, felt the warmth radiating from him like a scorching kettle, burning against her skin. A pang of excitement shot through her, electrifying her from head to toe. Her body stiffened, toes almost curling.

She was only trying to avoid her mother's probing gaze and preserve her dignity, never anticipating this near miss. Her heartbeat skyrocketed, "thump, thump," with her cheeks turning crimson. Nervous, at a loss, and excited, her hands clung tightly around Alaric's neck. Their embrace grew even more suggestive.

Kimberly, having seen it all before, instantly knew what was up. The pair seemed barely able to contain themselves. Had she not been there, they might have already retreated to the bedroom. Tsk, tsk, these kids, not even married and already not caring about anything but their moment of joy.

Kimberly, speechless, took a deep breath and said, "How long do you plan to keep this up? I'm still here, or do you intend to treat me like I'm invisible and carry on?"

Jolted, Hertha realized she was still holding onto Alaric and quickly let go, even pushing him slightly, trying to distance herself from any implied intimacy. But her actions were as telling as if admitting to a hidden treasure. Alaric, too, felt awkward but didn't dwell on the minor push.

He straightened up, sat up properly, adjusted his shirt collar, wiped the corner of his mouth, and flashed Kimberly a mischievous smile: "We didn't know you were home."

"Oh, please. If you knew, you'd probably have booked a hotel," Kimberly cut him off. "I don't usually stay here. Just had a whim to drop by today, and what do I find? Quite the spectacle. Lucky me," Kimberly mocked.

"What do you mean, 'carried away'?" Kimberly frowned. "Tell me, what exactly is going on between you and my daughter? When are you planning to get married? I'll have you know, if you intend to marry my daughter, you must accept her two..."

Kimberly was laying down the law with Alaric when Hertha, in a panic, jumped up from the couch and covered her mother's mouth. "Mom, mom, please, hold back a bit. Modern relationships aren't all about the endgame, it's about enjoying the journey, right? Mom, he's got urgent matters to attend to, can't stay long. Let him go, and I'll explain everything to you," Hertha pleaded, muffling her mother's words, nervously covering for Alaric.

After her plea, she turned, giving Alaric a look, signaling him to play along and make his exit quickly.