"You were smoking?" Yvonne asked, catching the faint scent of tobacco on him.

"Yeah, just one. Does it smell bad?" he asked.

"It's okay," she said, and just as the words left her mouth, Bennett leaned down and kissed her. The lingering taste of nicotine mingled between their lips as they tangled together.

After the kiss, Bennett released her, his warm, dry hand gently ruffling her hair.

"You should get some rest. I have some work to finish in the study."

"Okay," Yvonne nodded obediently.

After Bennett left, Yvonne read her script for a while longer before getting up. She went to the kitchen, found some milk in the fridge, warmed it up, and carried the glass to the study.

She stood at the door and knocked softly.

"Can I come in?"

"Come in," his voice came from inside. He was sitting at his large executive desk, the cold light from two active computer screens reflecting on his handsome face, making him appear distant and serious.

But when his gaze met Yvonne's, it softened with a touch of warmth.

"I warmed up some milk for you," she said, walking over and placing the glass on his desk.

"So thoughtful," Bennett chuckled, taking her hand and giving a gentle tug that pulled her right into his lap.

Yvonne landed softly against him. He wrapped one arm around her waist, and with his other hand, he picked up a tie from the desk and carefully tied it around her eyes.

"I still have some things to deal with that you can't see," he explained.

Yvonne understood that military work was often confidential. Still, he could have just sent her back to her room.

"Then you should get back to it. I'll go back to my room?" Being blindfolded was a little unsettling.

"Be good. Just let me hold you for a

while," Bennett murmured, his arms tightening around her as his free hand returned to the mouse, navigating through files and

documents on the screen,

With her world plunged into

darkness, every other sound became magnified, his steady breathing beside her ear, the soft clicks of the mouse.

Yvonne rested quietly in his arms, careful not to disturb him.

When you're in complete darkness, time seems to lose its meaning.

Yvonne wasn't sure how much time had passed, but gradually, she began to feel a subtle shift in his hold.

Realizing what was happening, a blush crept up her cheeks. "Bennett, you need to focus on your work," she reminded him gently.

After she spoke, she heard the soft chime of the computer shutting down.

Yvonne instinctively raised a hand to remove the tie from her eyes.

But Bennett caught her wrist, his clean, long fingers slowly weaving through hers until their hands were clasped together.

Her vision remained a black void, making her other senses incredibly sharp.

She felt the heat of his palm against hers. She felt his breath draw nearer, mingling with her own, until their lips finally met.

He gently parted her lips, his kiss tender and deep, a slow, languid exploration.

At some point, the tie around her eyes loosened and fell away. The sudden brightness made her flinch.

She blinked, her vision clearing to find him looking down at her, his dark eyes burning with an intense, fiery passion.

"Bennett," she whispered. Her voice, husky from the kiss, was low and soft, enough to make a man weak.

"Mmm," he responded, his own voice

deep and strained, as if he were

holding something back with great

effort. The next moment, he swept her into his arms, strode out of thë study, and carried her toward the master bedroom.