CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO - *STRESS AND STRAIN*

Anna was overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice, the vulnerability in his eyes. In that moment, all her doubts and insecurities seemed to melt away. She saw Erik – not the billionaire, not the businessman, but the man who had shared his laughter, his fears, and his dreams with her. Without a word, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his. The kiss was soft at first, then grew in intensity as weeks of pent-up emotion poured out. Erik's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as if he never wanted to let go. As they broke apart, breathless, Anna saw her own desires reflected in Erik's eyes. The air around them seemed to crackle with electricity. "Are you sure?" Erik whispered, his voice husky. Anna nodded, her heart racing. "I'm sure." Their hands trembled as they began to undress each other. Anna's shirt was the first to come off, revealing the soft curves of her breasts. Erik's eyes widened in appreciation, his thumb brushing the sensitive skin of her collarbone. She took a d