Desire on the Express Part : 1
Desire on the Express Part : 1
The train’s rhythmic clatter was a lullaby, the kind that whispered secrets to the night. Elara Monroe shifted in her seat, the plush leather cradling her curves as she stared out the window at the blur of passing scenery. The world outside was a smear of darkness and light, but inside the business class coach, everything was cozy, almost intimate. She glanced at her reflection in the glass, noting the way her dark hair framed her face, the soft lines around her eyes from years of laughter and worry. It was then she noticed him—Austin Blackwood.
His presence was unmistakable, like a magnet pulling her gaze. He sat across the aisle, his legs crossed elegantly, a notebook balanced on his knee. His fingers danced over the page, pen gliding with practiced ease. She recognized him instantly, though she had never seen him in person. His photo graced the backs of countless romance novels, and his name was synonymous with passion, desire, and unspoken longing. Austin Blackwood was a legend, a master of words that could make women swoon and men jealous.
Elara felt a flush rise to her cheeks as their eyes met. His were a deep, mesmerizing blue, like the ocean after a storm. There was something in them, something that made her heart skip a beat. She quickly looked away, trying to compose herself, but the connection was already there, an electric charge humming between them.
“Can I get you anything?” A soft voice pulled her from her thoughts. The attendant stood beside her, a tray of drinks in hand.
“Just some water, please,” Elara murmured, still acutely aware of Austin’s gaze. She took the glass, her fingers trembling slightly as she brought it to her lips.
The train lurched, and she nearly spilled the water. A strong hand steadied her arm, and she looked up to see Austin leaning over, concern etched in his features.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice low and soothing.
“Yes, thank you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t realize how clumsy I am.”
He smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent tingles down her spine. “It happens to the best of us.”
They exchanged small talk, the conversation flowing effortlessly. He told her about his latest book tour, the whirlwind of interviews and signings. She shared snippets of her life, the struggles and joys of raising her three-year-old daughter alone. There was something deeply intimate about their exchange, as if they were peeling back layers of themselves, revealing more than either intended.
As they spoke, Elara felt a warmth spread through her chest, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in years. It was a heady blend of excitement and fear, a reminder of the woman she used to be before motherhood had taken root. She glanced at Austin, noting the way his eyes softened when he talked about his work, the gentle curve of his lips when he laughed. He was charming, yes, but there was something else—something real buried beneath the surface.
Their fingers brushed accidentally as they reached for the same packet of almonds on the table. A spark passed between them, a jolt of awareness that neither could ignore. Elara drew back, her breath catching in her throat. Austin swallowed hard, his gaze lingering on her lips.
“Elara,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “There’s something between us, something I can’t explain.”
She nodded, unable to speak, her heart pounding in her ears.
He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. “May I?”
Her mind raced, a thousand thoughts colliding. What was she doing? This was madness. But the truth was, she wanted this—wanted him—more than she had ever wanted anything. With a shaky breath, she closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was both tender and fierce.
It started slow, a gentle press of mouths, tasting, exploring. But soon, the kiss deepened, became ravenous, as if they were starved for each other. She felt his hands slide around her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies melding together. Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging at the strands as she lost herself in the sensation of his lips on hers.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their chests heaving with exertion. Austin’s eyes were wide, filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
“Elara,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “What just happened?”
She swallowed hard, her heart racing. “I don’t know, but I want to find out.”
He nodded, a predatory glint in his eyes. “Come with me.”
Without waiting for her response, he took her hand, leading her through the dimly lit train car to a secluded lounge. Once there, he gently guided her to the plush leather couch, seating her on his lap. Their bodies pressed together, the heat between them palpable.
Austin’s hands roamed over her back, his fingers dancing over the delicate fabric of her dress. With a deft motion, he slipped the straps off her shoulders, exposing her bare skin to the cool air. She shivered, but not from the cold. His mouth descended on her neck, his lips leaving a trail of kisses that sent shivers down her spine.
“Austin,” she gasped, her head falling back as he explored the sensitive skin of her collarbone.
“Shh,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear. “Let me show you.”
