?Chapter 1815:


    A crimson flush spread across Aileen’s cheeks. She cast several furtive nces at him before asking in a hushed tone, “That kiss… does it signify genuine affection?”


    Peyton affirmed with a definitive nod. “Indeed, my feelings for you are authentic.”


    The blush on Aileen’s face intensified noticeably.


    Peyton felt subtle shifts as Aileen moved in his arms. Determined to avoid another awkward moment, he took control. Gently lifting her, he said, “You belong to me now, correct? From this moment on, I am devoted exclusively to you.”<fnc2c9> Chapters first released on find[f]ovel</fnc2c9>


    Before she could reply, his hand slipped beneath her skirt. She gasped and stammered, “What exactly are you doing?”


    “Stay calm, my dear. As your future husband, I only wish to bring you pleasure.” His fingers moved with practiced confidence, caressing her most intimate ces.


    At first, Aileen’s body tensed reflexively, but as his gentle strokes continued, her muscles rxed and she leaned back against him, softly moaning. Recognizing her inexperience, Peyton maintained a tender rhythm. To his surprise, her sensitivity exceeded his expectations, her arousal evident almost immediately.


    When he withdrew his hand, Aileen looked down, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She expected him to recoil, but instead he raised his fingers to his lips and deliberately tasted them.


    “Please stop that,” she protested, mortified.


    “I’ve only sampled what belongs to my future wife,” he murmured. “Everything about you delights me.” Peyton marveled at how perfectly her innocence and beautyplemented him. He longed for their marriage to ur without dy, freeing him from the need for restraint.


    Aileen’s blush deepened. “Our marriage is still in the future. I’m not your wife yet.”


    “If not mine, then whose? Would you prefer Clive? Is he more deserving?” Peyton’s voice tightened at the thought of his rival, who had so effortlessly captured Aileen’s affections. Doubt gnawed at him—could he truly win her heart?


    Lost in his thoughts, Peyton didn’t notice Aileen watching him quietly. She realized that without his sses, his features were remarkably handsome. In his embrace, she felt a warmth and security she had never known.


    Her heart elerated as she inquired softly, “Why did you dy approaching me for so long?”


    “Let’s not revisit past mistakes. I deeply regret not acting sooner. Had I recognized your perfectpatibility with me earlier, I would have pursued you immediately,” Peyton said, his tone reflecting genuine seriousness.


    Aileen blinked, a bright smile lighting up her face. Lowering her voice, she teased, “Regretting it now? Why didn’t you act sooner?”


    Peyton studied her flushed cheeks and figured she had more than a little to drink. Muttering under his breath, he mused, “Maybe I should kiss you while you’re tipsy.”


    Aileen’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She tugged at her clothes, a mix of pride and embarrassment in her voice as she blurted, “Go ahead, then.”


    Peyton raised an eyebrow. “You’re this agreeable when you’re drunk?”


    She huffed, “Just stop talking.”


    Without warning, Peyton kissed her lips. Before she could react, he swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom. Panic shed in Aileen’s eyes. “Aren’t we rushing this?”


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