"You want me as your birthday gift?" I blinked, feeling heat rush to my cheeks at Alaric's boldness. His intense gaze made my skin tingle with anticipation.
Alaric's lips curved into that confident smirk I'd come to love and dread in equal measure. "Is that so surprising?" His fingers traced lazy patterns on my wrist. "You asked what I wanted, and I'm simply being honest."
"I meant something tangible," I protested weakly. "Something I can actually give you."
"You are quite tangible, Isabella." His voice dropped lower as he pulled me closer. "Wonderfully so."
I pushed against his chest, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. "Be serious, Alaric. I want to give you something meaningful for your birthday."
He sighed dramatically, leaning back on the settee. "If you insist on a physical gift, surprise me. Though I promise nothing will please me more than having you all to myself."
An idea struck me. "What if I cook you dinner? Something special just for the two of us?"
