Annabel's POV
We made our way out of the ballroom, Daniel's arms sliding firmly around my waist. His warmth covered me like a shield. He held me so tight as though someone might come from behind to steal me away.
The hallway stretched cold, leaving us in silence, as though we were calculating our steps. I could still feel the heat of Jame's nasty touch on me. The thought that his tongue had been on my lips lingered, leaving a sour taste.
Once we stepped outside, the cool breeze of the night grazed my skin, washing over me with a calm I never realized I longed for.
The valet rushed to open the car door after seeing us from afar, and Daniel carefully settled me inside. Then, he crouched and sat beside me.
He tenderly patted my shoulder, his gaze a mixture of unease and rage. "Annie, did he hurt you?"
I sat up, hanging on the edge of the chair as I softly brushed his hands. "Dan, I'm fine. At least you came at the right time."
He collapsed into the seat, warm and relieved.
My cheek drew into a wide grin. "So, tell me, Mr. Stroke. How on earth were you able to control your outburst in there?"
He brushed his face roughly. "James is just so lucky today."
"Oh… really?" I placed my hand on his lap, stroking it softly. "Mr. Stroke."
He turned to lock eyes with me. "Why do I sense some jealousy? The last time you had a fight with James was definitely for the grudge you have against him. But this time, I feel like you held back because you don't want me to see you break out." My mouth curled into a knowing smile.
Daniel drew nearer, tugging a strand of hair that covered my face backward. "Maybe you are right."
My breath hitched.
He did not deny it.
Is he beginning to feel the same way I feel for him?
Our skin brushed together, making my body tingle. He pressed his chest against mine, and with the tip of his finger, Daniel drew delicate patterns across my hand.
His eyes clung to mine without breaking, and suddenly the air felt hot, leaving me breathless. "Can I kiss you?" His voice came out low and raw with pleasure.
My eyes fluttered as I swallowed the gulp gathered in my throat. I gave him a quick nod.
His lips didn't claim mine immediately. They hovered, barely a breath away. Teasing, testing, waiting for me to close the space.
My thigh hurt, not from pain, but from need. Whatever was happening down there was becoming unbearable.
Our faces were inches apart. I could feel his breath all over me. My pulse raced, echoing in my head, screaming for him to make the move.
Not minding the consequences.
The kiss was smooth at first, deliberate and hesitant, but with time he went deeper, rough and unrestrained, yet every touch still carried the tenderness meant for just me.
He slid his hand on my neck, drawing me closer from my waist. Kissing, teasing, and torturing every inch of my skin.
He planted his tongue on my chin, sucked in a bit longer, and inhaled deeply before pulling away slowly.
My eyes fixed on his, trying to catch up with my breath.
"Annabel, I want more." His eyes went dark.
My eyes darted quickly to his. "What do you mean?"
He cupped my chin and lifted it up. "I want every part of you." He ran his breath along my neck. "Your clothes on the floor and my name on your lips." He placed a kiss on my shoulder. "I want to be buried deep inside of you."
My throat knotted.
Excitement mixed with anxiety.
Knowing fully well that letting him in would bind me to love him forever.
But our love could never be defined.
This is a forbidden love.
Yet, every part of me longs for him. Only his eyes burn my heart with desire, one I have never felt for anyone.
"Annabel, please say something." His voice came out slow.
"I… I…"
I was going to decline. But the way he teases me,
Fuck.
It made my knees weak.
"Daniel, I want you too. All of you." I swallowed, heat burning its way down my throat. "I want to have you buried inside me," I managed to say.
His teeth grazed my chin. "Annie, you don't know how long I have been holding on to this."
"Me… too." The words slipped past my parted lips, trembling.
Daniel found my lips again. This time the kiss was filled with lust. hungrier, needy.
He breathed in my scent. "Annabel, you don't know what you have done to me so far."
"I go crazy every day thinking about this moment."
He crushed his lips against mine again, possessive yet tender, as if he would never let me slide away.
With his finger, he pulled down the tiny strap of my dress, cupping my breast through the fabric, a mix of tenderness and hunger.
My head fell back, leaving him to take his time. He teased and creased my nipple through the fabric, tingling me.
A tremor ran through my core, leaving me breathless as I held the car seat firmly.
With deliberate motion, he traced downward, lifting my dress. But I stopped him mid-way. "Dan."
He opened his eyes, a flash of questions written on his face.
With just the edge of my eyes, I pointed to the valet, who had been seated all night, waiting for instructions to drive off.
Daniel bit his lips in frustration and tried to order the man to excuse us, but I stopped him.
"Dan, let's get home first."