Chapter 117
Cordelia had been ready to fight tooth and nail, but when she realized that it was Everard who had grabbed her, an inexplicable calm washed over her. She was stunned by her own reaction.
There was a time when she found Everard dangerous, someone to steer clear of. But why did she now feel so safe in his presence?
As Cordella pondered the shift in her feelings, Everard suddenly dipped his head and captured her lips In a kiss. It was as if thunder had exploded next to her ear. Cordelia could feel an overwhelming force invading her
senses.
Everard’s kiss was fierce, a voracious claim on her breath, as he explored every inch of her mouth with urgency. The sweet scent of her, reminiscent of fresh strawberries, began to soothe his rage, and his movements gradually became tender and entwining.
He nibbled gently, his lips caressing and grazing hers as if he sought to capture every ounce of tenderness within her.
Cordelia’s body tingled, and her mind went blank. She forgot to struggle or resist, simply responding instinctively to him.
Time seemed to stand still, perhaps a moment, perhaps an eternity, until footsteps and Merry’s puzzled voice echoed from outside, “Didn’t Lia say she was coming up to see us? Where is she?”
That voice snapped Cordelia back to reality. Just as she prepared to push him away, his strong hand pressed against her back, pinning her against his chest.
Everard released her lips and, before she could voice her anger, a finger was placed against her lips as his deep voice teased her heartstrings, “Sweetheart, do you want them to know we’ve been kissing?”
Cordelia’s eyes widened, and she clamped her mouth shut in embarrassment and rage.
The storage room was dim, lit only by the faint glow of a street lamp filtering through the small window. In this light, Everard could see the usually cool cheeks of Cordelia flushed a deep red.
Whether from embarrassment or anger, he couldn’t tell.
She was wearing a strapless evening gown, her hair cascading over her shoulders, offering him glimpses of her elegant, swan–like neck and delicate shoulders.
Everard felt his pulse quicken, a rush of blood he had to fight to contain, as he averted his
s gaze.
Cordelia was oblivious to his turmoil, focusing intently on the noises outside.
Yates joined in, asking, “She’s not up yet?”
Merry was puzzled, “Yeah, could Lia have gotten lost in your living room?”
Yates replied indifferently, “Doubt it, just wait.”
After these words, he started a round of mobile gaming, leaning casually against the wall by the storage room door.
Through the door, which did little to block sound, Cordelia could clearly hear the game’s welcome message from Yates‘ phone,
She held her breath.
If Little Flame and Little Parrot found out she was hiding here, she’d never live it down.
Cordelia shot Everard an angry look, and it was his fault, for dragging her here, why did he kiss?
1965
The realization of what just happened dawned on her
He had kissed her? She had warned him before if he dared to kiss her, she’d sock him one. But why didn’t che feel the urge to hit him now? It must be because the storage room was too cramped for a good swing.
She surveyed the tiny space, and the storage room was indeed small, so much so that she was forced to press close to Everard.
In the tight, dark space, her senses sharpened.
The heat from his palm on her shoulder was intense, making the room feel hot and stifling as if she was struggling to breathe. She gasped for air, but all she could smell was his vanilla scent. In the quiet, she could hear his strong heartbeat.
Cordelia clutched her chest, feeling a tight knot of discomfort.
Was this unease because of that curse about “Love or Die“? She needed to hold hands.
She groped around, seeking his hand in the darkness.
Everard was taken aback.
Her restless hand pressed against his chest, reigniting the desire he had fought to subdue. His jaw clenched, his body tensed, and it seemed like the veins on his forehead were about to burst with the effort to remain still.
Finally, her hand found his, their fingers intertwined, and she stopped her fumbling.
Everard exhaled in relief.
In the quiet, dark room, the only sounds were the game’s background music and character lines from Yates” phone.
Everard felt that if they didn’t get out soon, he would be the one burning up.
After a while, another game quote echoed, “I foresaw the beginning, but alas, I did not foresee this ending.”
The ending?
The thought suddenly struck Cordelia that without the curse of “Love or Die,” she and Everard would break up, wouldn’t they? At that thought, the dull pain returned.
She had felt better after his kiss, so now….
Suddenly, she tiptoed and pecked Everard on the lips.
Once, the pain in her chest persisted.
Twice, it seemed to ease a little. Three times, four times….
Everard’s eyes were filled with an unfathomable depth of emotion, and the tension within him felt ready to snap at any moment.
“Damn it.” He cursed inwardly, then abruptly pulled her closer, resting his chin on her shoulder to avoid her kisses. His voice was rough as he whispered, “Stop moving. Otherwise, your boyfriend is going to lose control.” In that instant, Cordelia’s usually slow emotional intelligence seemed to surge. She understood his meaning and froze, not daring to move an inch.
After what felt like an eternity, a victorious sound came from outside. The game was over, but Merry and Yates were still waiting for Cordelia.
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