"Get the hell of me!" Victoria shrieked. Her arms struggled to push herself off of him. While she managed to push her face further from Conrad, she hadn't even bothered using her legs to escape. Conrad was all too aware that her hips were touching his.

The sight of Victoria made Conrad chuckle, which only angered her more. He couldn't help it. Her hair was disheveled and her eyes were wide and angry. She looked like a feral animal, struggling to return to freedom. Maybe Victoria was a feral animal.

"Calm down, my dear. You climbed into my bed." Conrad said calmly.

Victoria sighed. This was not how tonight was supposed to go.

"How dare-" she started.

"Let me stop you right there. You were the one who drugged me. You climbed into my bed. And if I heard correctly, you confessed your undying love for me."

Victoria rolled her eyes.

"Is that really what you're going with?" She asked. She relaxed in his embrace, amused by his antics.

"Denial doesn't suit you, Victoria. We've been married long enough to realize that when you come strolling in, inviting me for a nightcap and showcasing your, uh assets... Let's just say I'm not that naive."

"Don't for one second think that I'm naive to your behavior!"

"I have never drugged you, Victoria. Perhaps if you didn't micromanage the staff they'd stop adding sleeping pills to your tea." He said. He released her, enjoying watching her fix her hair and straighten her pajamas.

"Is that a nervous habit or do you just want to look good for me?" He asked, eliciting a glare from Victoria. Conrad wasn't done toying with her.

"Let me add that while I held you in your sleep, I certainly didn't run my hands over your sensitive areas."

Victoria was taken aback. She knew he had her.

"What do you want, Conrad?"

"Same as you."

"Have your lawyer draw up the papers. I'll sign it and we'll both be on our way," she purred.

"That's not what you said earlier."

"You were quiet for so long I forgot. My memory isn't as sharp as it used to be."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure every inch of you is just as sharp as it used to be." He said, eyeing her up and down.

His intense gaze not only made her blush, but heated her inside and out. She silently chastised herself. He was so arrogant and obnoxious and yet, intriguing and sexy. She was unable to focus on his words because she found herself watching his lips move. She remembered all the things those lips did what seemed like a lifetime ago.

Jumping back to reality, she faked a small yawn.

"This has been one for the record books but I'm suddenly exhausted..." She began.

Conrad jumped off the bed, standing in front of the doorway.

"Not so fast, my dear."

Victoria's hands dropped to her side.

"What do you want, Conrad?" Her voice was smaller than it normally was, and her question was more of a plea than an actual inquiry.

"You. I've always wanted you."

Before she could utter a word he approached her, running his fingers through her hair. The slightest touch brought out a small moan in the back of her throat.

When she didn't immediately recoil, he moved closer, brushing his hands across her breasts as he grabbed her shoulders, holding her close to him. He smiled at the immediate changes in her breathing. His lips ran across her neck, leaving simple kisses and licks. He found his way to her collarbones, tracing her skin with his tongue. He had forgotten how she felt in his arms, how she tasted and how it felt to be the one to make her unravel.

Conrad had awakened feelings in Victoria that she had managed to keep hidden for years. She prided herself on denying him what he wanted most. She told herself that it was for David Clarke. Maybe a part of it was it the bigger part was she was afraid. Afraid to give in and give Conrad all the power. As much as she wanted him, she wanted to protect herself more.

"Conrad, I-" she began. Conrad knew how this went. The minute his wife felt her power slipping away, she'd stop at nothing to regain herself. He had let her slip away so many times that he told himself he wouldn't do it again.

"Victoria, I don't expect you to trust me or forgive me. All I've ever been guilty of is loving you. Protecting you. Maybe too much. One kiss. That's all I ask. One kiss and if you want to go, you can go."

Apprehension took over Victoria's body. She couldn't bare to stare into those blue eyes, pleading for one more chance. And yet, she couldn't bare to tear her gaze from his eyes. She was torn between two things. She wanted both of them desperately. And she needed both of them desperately. But she could only choose one.