Arcadia lazily laid on the sofa, curling herself into a comfortable position while holding some snacks that Alaric had prepared for her that morning.

Her evenly trimmed toes were curled up, revealing delicate and flawless skin. It looked so pink and watery, making anyone who saw it want to take a bite. The tiny white toes peeked out from beneath the blanket, curled up like a little kitten, a picture of pure contentment.

The delicate arch of her foot, highlighted by the whiteness of her toes, was a testament to her feminine grace.

The sight of her curling up on the sofa, her face radiating contentment, made his heart itch. He scratched his fingers tightly, trying to ease the itchy feeling in his heart, before lightening up his steps towards her. He was afraid to disturb the peaceful picture of her.

He bent down and couldn't help but touch her exquisite feet, his fingers brushing against the delicate skin.

Her white toes, like little marshmallows, were now tucked into the soft cushions, a tempting sight that made him want to reach out and touch them. He couldn't resist tracing the outline of her white toes with his finger, their smooth, cool texture a delightful surprise.

The soft, velvety texture of her white toes, tucked under the blanket, was a secret pleasure he longed to explore.

He watched the way her white toes, each one a tiny masterpiece of nature, wiggled in their cozy nest, a silent symphony of contentment.

"You're back."

Coupled with her soft voice, a melody that stirred his soul, he couldn't resist the pull of her alluring lips. Leaning in, he captured them in a kiss, a silent promise of the passion burning within him.

A gasp escaped her lips as his mouth covered hers-a complete and utter surprise. Her eyes, wide with shock, momentarily failed to register the invasion, the unexpected pressure of a stunning assault on her senses. But only a second passed before the surprise transformed into something else entirely-a thrilling, intoxicating response as she met his kiss with an equal fervor.

He felt the response of her kiss, a sweet surrender, and pulled her into his arms, the warmth of her body against his igniting a fire within him. He deepened the kiss, a consuming pressure that stole her breath, her lips parting slightly under his insistent touch.

The sudden silence following their kiss amplified the sound of her ragged breathing, making her vulnerability starkly apparent. Her slender arms, trembling slightly, clung tightly to his neck, her body weakened by the intensity of the kiss, a fragile bird nestled against his strength.

Gathering her resolve, she pushed him back gently, a hint of strength in her movement that surprised even herself.

He blinked, coming back to his senses as the haze of desire lifted, and gradually released his hold. He reluctantly let go, his heart heavy with the sudden absence of her warmth.

She inhaled deeply, the air filling her lungs as she fought to steady her racing heart, the moment still lingering between them.

"Y-you..." she breathed, the word barely audible above the ragged rhythm of her gasping breath.

His eyes, dark and intense, held hers captive, a swirling vortex of emotions - the aftermath of their heated kiss still simmering between them, a potent blend of desire and something else, something deeper and more complex.

"I'm sorry, baby. Did I scare you just now?" he asked, his voice a low murmur, laced with genuine concern.

His thumb gently brushed her cheek, a tender gesture that spoke volumes.

Arcadia shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No," she whispered, "I was just... shocked silly. Completely unprepared for that."

He breathed a sigh of relief, the tension visibly easing from his shoulders as he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you for not being mad," he said, his smile genuine and warm, a ray of sunshine breaking through the lingering tension.

"You must be hungry. I'll go cook something for you now." He stood, his movements gentle and deliberate, his eyes never leaving hers.

Then, a thoughtful addition: "Do you want some milk first? Something to settle your stomach?"

She looked up at him, her eyes soft and grateful, and gently nodded. "Yes, please."

The scent of him, a mixture of his cologne and something uniquely Alaric, still clung to the air as he went to the kitchen. She sat on the couch, the lingering warmth of his body imprinted on the cushions beside her, replaying their heated kiss in her mind, dissecting every touch, every stolen breath, every unspoken emotion that had shimmered between them.

Arcadia traced the phantom imprint of his lips on hers, the memory of the kiss-its intensity, its unexpectedness-a wave of heat washing over her again.

She felt a warm blush creeping up her cheeks as thoughts of the kiss flooded her mind, a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

Shaking her head as if to dispel the memory, she reached for the snacks left carelessly on the side table, hoping to distract herself from the flurry of emotions swirling within her.

The crinkling of the packaging brought her back to reality, the familiar sound grounding her in the present.

With the last bite of her snack, the rich aroma of warm milk filled the air, a welcome distraction from her racing thoughts.

Alaric appeared then, his eyes soft, a steaming mug presented to her with a tender smile. The simple act, filled with unspoken affection, softened her heart.

He gently placed it before her. "I made it at the right temperature so it won't burn your tongue," he said, the casual words belying the depth of his concern.

The simple act of making her a drink felt weighted with meaning.

She looked at him, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, a plea in her tone. "Please... don't leave without eating lunch with me, okay?"

With a possessive tenderness, he rubbed her head, his touch both gentle and reassuring. The gesture spoke of a desire to comfort, to protect, to claim him as her own.

"You don't have to say 'please' to me, baby," he said, his voice a low rumble, a declaration of ownership laced with affection. "Anything you want, I'll give it to you."