Chapter 187 - Parched

The rest of the day was spent with Damien taking Katherine all around Lyon. And she had to admit, she loved the place! He took her to see Vieux Lyon which literally means Old Lyon, one of Europe's largest renaissance old quarters. Presqu'île, the heart of Lyon, was also charming – a district with 19th-century architecture where shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs are found. 

They also visited beautiful churches like Fourvière Basilica which is the focus for the Festival of Lights, and Lyon Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral that was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. While they went around the wonderful city, Lyon's Murals – wall paintings – were found all around, decorating the place and adding to its charm. 

Everything that Katherine saw in Lyon, she couldn't ever see them back home. She now understood what it was like for constant travelers; being able to see places on different parts of the world was truly satisfying.

And seeing it with Damien was the icing on the cake… and at that moment, she couldn't wait to taste that icing… maybe even lick it.

Due to the humid weather, their outfits were light. After their visit to the castle, Katherine changed into a plain white shirt and a pair of light denim distressed pants with comfy sneakers while Damien sported a pair of khaki chinos and a rolled-up white button-down shirt… except the buttons were halfway undone… and his chest was glistening in sweat.

They were standing by a bridge watching a busker when Damien noticed Katherine staring at him just as she wet her lips in a sensual manner. A playful smirk formed on his face as he asked in a low voice, "Thirsty?"

His slightly gruff voice woke her from her daze and she met his stare. It took her a few seconds to realize that he asked her a question. "Oh… Uh… um… Yes, parched." She swallowed.

"Let me buy you a drink." Taking her hand, Damien dragged her away, his strides so long and fast that she had to hasten her steps a little to keep up. His head turned from left to right as though he was looking for something.

Reaching an alley, he pulled her towards it and before she could even as much as open her mouth to question where they were going, he pushed her back against a wall and trapped her in place with his arms on either side of her. Then his hands cupped her face while he pressed his leg in between her thighs, earning a gasp from her just before he smashed his lips to hers.

Katherine was caught off-guard by his advancements but it didn't take her long to realize what he was doing. She closed her eyes and brought her hands to his neck and chest as she responded to his kisses. It started slow and gentle, their lips moving together in sync. She opened her mouth, inviting his tongue inside. He tasted of the red wine that they had for lunch and the mint candy he had earlier. 

Damien swirled his tongue and flicked it against hers, tasting her sweet mouth… their tongues dancing in the rhythm of the beat from the busker around the corner — he kissed her deeper and passionately. She moaned into his mouth when she felt his hands slid down to her sides, grazing the sides of her breasts slightly before gripping her waist. 

There were probably people passing by and seeing them make out but that was the least of Katherine's concern at the moment. She was in France, with the love of her life for God's sake. She was there to enjoy every minute of it. There shouldn't be an issue with public displays of affection in France… right? 

Funny how she had just read it earlier that in other parts of the world, people use the term French kissing but it wasn't until recent years that the French people added a slang term for it in the dictionary – galocher (ga-lo-shehr) which means to kiss with tongues — and right now, Katherine just want more tongue from him… specifically anywhere but her mouth. 

She reluctantly broke the kiss and the two of them panted and smiled as their foreheads touched. Her lips still tingled and swollen from his kisses. "Mr. Park, you're getting frisky…"

"Hmmm… That look you gave me earlier. You drove me crazy."

"I want to get out of here…" she breathed, still panting.

"You know where the hotel is, right?" Damien asked, a slow smile appearing on his gorgeous face when she nodded. "Good, I'll race you there."

As soon as he said that, he released her and started on his heel, leaving Katherine with a shocked face. 

"Hey! Cheater!" she exclaimed as she started chasing after him.

The two of them split as they rushed into the alleys and corners, finding their way through the crowd and maze of blocks towards their hotel. They sprinted and pushed their heels on the ground like they were in a marathon with smiles on their faces. They didn't know where the other was as they were determined to win their mini race. 

Damien almost knocked into a waiter serving drinks outside of a cafe but he managed to easily dodge it. Katherine, on the other hand, leaped and evaded a biker, swiftly pivoting to avoid getting hit.

A couple of minutes later, Damien found the hotel and a wide smile grew on his face as he rode the elevator up to their floor. As soon as he stepped out, he strode quickly towards their suite and in a matter of seconds he was able to open it. 

In the middle of the room, Katherine stood lazily — her shirt and pants outfit was off and replaced by a fluffy white robe. To top it off, she had a glass of wine in one hand and an unopened bottle on the other – a bottle that she had managed to buy while she ran on her way back to the hotel. 

"Damn…" he muttered with a chuckle when he stepped inside. Seeing Damien's surprised look and a chest dripping with sweat, the corners of her mouth lifted upward as she teased, "What took you so long? I was just about to celebrate my victory."

He chuckled as he strolled towards her while he slowly took off his shirt. "I have a better way of celebrating your victory, my Queen. I can give you a reward."

"Hmmm… A reward… What reward?" she raised a brow and watched as he grabbed the bottle and glass from her hands and set it down on the table. 

Pulling her close, he placed his arms around her waist, kissed her on the lips before he lifted the back of her thigh and hoisted her up, her legs automatically wrapping around his hips. 

"Me," Damien said as soon as he pulled away, bringing her towards the bathroom to take a bath together. "You're going to love your reward."

Katherine softly chuckled, amused by his antics as she replied, "I bet I will."