Author's note: this is from Serina's point of view

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"Ladies first.", Duke said while standing with his back facing the tree, and his hands joined at his waist level, palm up, gesturing that he will give me a boost.

After eyeing the tree whose top I couldn't see, I was not sure if I want to go with it, but Duke's challenging smirk made me change my mind. "Sure."

I put my foot in Duke's hands and leaped at the same time he pushed me up and I reached the lowest branch, lifting myself to sit on it.

I looked down at Duke and extended my hand, but he waved it as unnecessary.

"What about you?"

"Keep going. I will catch up.", he said confidently, not removing his gaze from my ass that was sticking out on the other side of the branch I was sitting on.

How can he be so shameless!?

I felt the heat creeping up my neck, but to be honest, I liked his smoldering blue eyes on me. Maybe I am the shameless one.

I grabbed the next branch, and then the next one and one more, reaching higher with every step as I climbed the massive tree.

I peeked down occasionally to confirm that Duke was right behind me.

If he was tired, he was very good at concealing it.

It hit me that we had a sleepless night and a run and now a tree climb, yet he appeared energetic. Duke was always the fastest and the strongest, but I didn't expect it to be to this extent. There was still a lot for me to learn about him.

The branches were getting thinner, and I wondered if they will support my weight. How high should I go?

"Just a bit more…", Duke's voice sounded from below me, when he noticed that I stopped ascending.

After climbing three more branches, my eyes widened as I observed a different world.

Green canopies created a wavy scenery with mountains on the East and North, the sea on the South... The sky above was blending from darkness on the West to bright blue on the East with a few orange cotton-like clouds… everything was perfectly still and quiet.

"What do you think?", Duke asked when he joined me.

Ah! We were standing on the same branch! I panicked while wondering if the branch can support our weights.

I moved all the way to the trunk of the tree and leaned on it.

It took me a moment to relax and appreciate the surroundings. "It's beautiful."

"It is."

I peered at Duke and met his eyes that were fixed on me. Oh, gosh! He was talking about me!

Duke glanced toward East, and his smile widened. "I'm glad we are here on time."

The sun peered above the mountain, spreading its rays like a golden blanket over the green canopies, and at the same time, orange clouds turned white while the sky settled on a baby-blue color.

Sunrise.

My first sunrise with Duke. Another first and I hoped that it was the first of many.

Well, technically, it was not our first sunrise, but I slept through all other ones so this one counts as the first.

Duke's nose found its way toward my neck and I grimaced upon contact that reminded me I'm wet from the running and climbing.

"I'm sweaty…"

Duke pressed my body with his, sandwiching me between him and the tree.

"You smell divine.", he murmured into my neck and kissed me right there.

I took a shaky breath together with Duke's scent of pine trees and the ocean, and I was surprised that I didn't pick up his sweat. I could clearly see his skin glistening under the morning sun, and there were wet patches on his tank top, but it only intensified his usual scent, mixing it with testosterone and muddling my head.

How can a man smell so good even when he is sweaty?

Duke licked my neck and sucked a little, making my legs tremble and I feared that I will lose my balance and fall off the tree.

"Keep doing that and I will break my neck when I fall off.", I said breathily, to what Duke chuckled lowly.

He lifted his head in slow motion and the passion in his eyes made me swallow a mouthful of air.

"You are not going anywhere…", Duke spoke into my lips and then his kiss took my breath away.

His flavors seeped into my system, and I gripped Duke's back while hoping that he can keep the balance for both of us because my legs were turning into jelly.

I imagined a number of scenarios related to what I will do in France during Luca's birthday celebration, but snogging with Duke in a tree at the top of the world during sunrise, was not one of them.

I was reminded that Duke always made me experience the unexpected. He is awesome like that.

…

By the time we showered and got ready for the day, the others were awake, and we met everyone in the dining room for breakfast.

The central table was full of fruits and fresh pastries that smelled mouthwatering with butter and jams to make them tastier, and the side table offered a variety of beverages.

Duke pulled a chair for me to sit and asked what I want to drink.

Mona gave me a meaningful look and I rolled my eyes internally. She definitely thought that Duke and I shared a steamy night and if I told her that I was technically a crepe filling, she wouldn't believe me. I didn't even try to clear up this misunderstanding.

The kids were in a good mood, and Emilio and Hugo were crowding Lazarus who greeted us with a stiff expression.

I ignored Lazarus's attitude but based on the boys' behavior, I guessed that they were impressed with whatever they saw last night, probably Alex did something spectacular.

Part of me regretted that instead of fun in the woods, I was wrapped in a comforter, unable to move. Yes, being with Duke is nice, but last night was torturous.

Is this my destiny until I master my ability? How long will it take? What if it takes years!?

Are my choices to be alone and miserable while missing Duke, or with Duke and burning from inside due to a need I can't satisfy? Why do I need to pick between two bad options?

I can't be the only one suffering through this, right?

I glanced at Duke who was pouring steaming tea for both of us, and I admired the fact that he looked fresh. If I was not with him, I would never guess that he missed a night of sleep.

He spoke with enthusiastic Ash about setting goals and finances and I was pleased to see that Ash's interest didn't dwindle.

I used the fact that Duke was busy to ask Mona, "How was last night?"

"Everything was as planned and under control. We are all accounted for and there were no casualties."

I cringed at Mona's choice of words, but I didn't comment on it.

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