I was out of breath, still panting as Theo approached me in the middle of the foggy woods.

He took off his hat and pushed his fingers through his thick brown hair.

There was a look of almost awe on his face, and it flattered me.

He hadn't forgotten about me.

How did you? he asked, eyeing me up and down.

It wasn't becoming for a soon-to-be duchess to leave the grounds without letting someone know,

and it certainly wasn't acceptable for her to meet her former lover.

Theo took a step closer, and I resisted the urge to throw myself into his arms.

I couldn't make the first move. I wouldn't allow it.

Gwen, what are we going to do? said Theo softly. He took another step closer. The fog rolled around us, the air thick and warm. It was so quiet out here. You're to be married in only one week's time.

I swallowed hard.

I could hardly bear it.

His hand cupped my face, and I choked back a sound somewhere between a gasp and a sob.

But when his lips touched down on my own, I couldn't control it.

My mouth opened for him, warm and welcoming.

It was like no time had passed. It was like it was a year ago, before I got forced into this

upcoming marriage, before my whole world turned upside down. I missed you so much, breathed Theo, turning my head to the side so he could kiss my neck.

I sighed in response.

There were no words to describe just how much I missed him.

The fog was thickening around our bodies, encapsulating us in a cloud.

It seemed fitting somehow. Theo grabbed my waist. We walked backwards together, taking a few steps

until we crashed into a tree. Our mouths were wild and hungry, and while we kissed, Theo grabbed

...