Chapter 156: Passionate Night again

The fire crackled merrily, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls of the cottage. A comforting silence had settled between Jane and Lucian as they savored their unexpected meal. Lucian had managed to snag a plump rabbit with a well-placed arrow on their way back, and Jane, ever resourceful, had whipped up a stew with some foraged herbs and vegetables she'd found near the cottage. The rabbit meat was surprisingly tender, seasoned to perfection with the wild flavors of the forest. But as delicious as the food was, Jane found herself more captivated by the man across from her. He sat relaxed, his dark hair catching the firelight, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. She stole a glance at his profile, the strong line of his jaw, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He was undeniably handsome, and lately, Jane found herself harboring thoughts that were positively…unladylike. Her gaze drifted to his lips, full and slightly parted as he took a bite of the stew. A