He didn't give her a moment to think.
Before she could even process what was happening, his lips crashed against hers in a desperate, consuming kiss one that felt long overdue.
Gérard kissed her like a man starved, drawing on her lips, taking and claiming without restraint. Charlotte's hands came up instinctively, pressing against his chest, but he caught her wrists effortlessly, pinning them above her head against the door with one hand.
His other hand slid to her throat, firm but controlled, tilting her head back to deepen the angle. His mouth parted against hers, his tongue slipping in, tasting, exploring, devouring her completely.
She responded without thinking, kissing him back just as fiercely.
A low sound of approval rumbled from his chest.
In one swift motion, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the nearby study table, setting her down. Her legs wrapped instinctively around his waist as he continued kissing her, relentless and heated.
