A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 555

She hadn't expected him back so soon.

Elissa froze, then smiled with thrilled surprise. "You're home early!"

It was barely past eight.

She had planned to wait for him at the door.

The girl had just showered. Her silky black hair tumbled loosely over her shoulders, making her luminous skin look even more flawless. She seemed to glow with a dewy warmth, like a ripe, juicy peach.

Rowan had rushed home just to see her. He hadn't even washed his hands yet. Fighting the urge to pull her into his arms, he arched an eyebrow. "When was I supposed to be home? Did Evan sell me out again?"

Evan Murphy had always been like this.

No matter what Elissa asked, he spilled the beans faster than a criminal in an interrogation room.

In the past, whenever Rowan prepared a birthday surprise for her, Evan would always blow the secret. Everyone else could keep their mouths shut, but not him.

Once, Rowan got annoyed and almost snapped at him. Evan had just muttered, "Didn't you tell us to be loyal to you, but even more loyal to her?"

Out of everyone, only Evan truly lived by that rule.

He could deceive anyone, but he was always honest with Elissa and Rowan.

If forced to choose, Rowan had no doubt Evan would choose Elissa.

Hearing his complaint, Elissa tilted her chin, her eyes dancing with triumph. "What do you mean, sell you out? Evan just doesn't lie to me."

"Right."

Rowan cast her a sideways glance, brushing past her toward the bathroom. "They've all spoiled you since you were little."

He shrugged off his suit jacket as he walked.

Elissa reached out to take it, but he dodged her hand. "Public places are full of germs."

He tossed the jacket aside.

Stepping up to the sink, he leisurely began washing his hands.

Elissa didn't follow him in. Leaning casually against the doorframe, she picked up where he left off. "But you spoil me the most."

She didn't think twice before saying it.

It was simply the truth.

For years, the resentment of being left behind had clouded her memories, making her deny their past.

But recently, as she replayed all their moments together under the same roof, she realized just how incredibly good Rowan had been to her.

It was unconditional indulgence.

So many things she had mentioned in passing were made reality within days.

Rowan had a notoriously short temper with everyone else, but he had never seemed angry with her.

No matter how much he disliked something, all she had to do was pout or act out, and he would cave.

Unable to hold back, Rowan dipped his head and captured her soft, pink lips.

The air in the room grew heavy and thick.

Relying on the room's soundproofing, Rowan was completely unrestrained. He kissed her fiercely and urgently, as if trying to devour her, letting the sounds of their tangled breaths fill the space.

Her oxygen was ruthlessly stolen. Elissa's legs grew weak, her eyes turning misty from the intensity of the kiss. Her fingers clutched his shirt, uncontrollably wrinkling the crisp fabric.

Clinging to a shred of sanity, she pushed against him when she could barely stand. "L-Let's go eat first!"

Janice had probably already asked the staff to warm the food.

If he stayed upstairs this long, any adult could guess what they were doing.

"I haven't held you enough."

Throwing out those simple words, the man claimed her lips again, leaving no room for argument.

The girl's upturned eyes were already alluring; now, glistening with unshed tears, they sent a surge of pure desire straight to his lower abdomen.

His large hand roamed upward along her waist, cupping her softness through the silk fabric, massaging gently.

Pregnancy seemed to have made her body even more sensitive.

Elissa practically melted into his embrace, her voice a soft, breathy plea. "Rowan! I have something important to tell you..."

She had a surprise of her own to share.