Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222 I Want You

With every piece of clothing he slipped off. Riley felt her entire body tense a little more.

It wasn’t like she’d never seen a man take off his clothes. She’d seen her fair share in the military and just tonight, she’d watched foreign performers strut shirtless across the stage, flinging their tops into the crowd while people screamed with glee.

But those shows left her unbothered. She was detached. Maybe she was a little impressed by the athleticism, but nothing beyond that.

Now, though? Watching Sebastian slowly undress right in front of her, her eyes refused to look away, and her heart started pounding harder and harder.

Once he was shirtless, Sebastian stepped closer, lowering head, his eyes burning into hers. “So, what kind of dance do you like?”

“You’ve actually learned to dance before?” Riley asked, voice

low.

“I haven’t,” he said, “but I can. I’m a quick learner. If dancing is something you’re into, I’ll learn for you.”

His eyes glinted with a mixture of heat and hope, a rare vulnerability peeking through the usual cool confidence.

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And suddenly, Riley felt her breath catch in her throat. This

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the performance less appealing, I can get them removed. Laser scar removal is pretty advanced now.”

He just wanted to be better for her. Somewhere deep down, he still feared he wasn’t enough.

“Sebastian!” Riley cut him off, firm but gentle. “I don’t care if you have scars. I’m only interested in you.”

Sebastian’s heart skipped a beat.

Then, without another word, Riley stepped forward, looped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

She didn’t want to see that look on his face again–the one that mixed hesitation with insecurity. It hurt her more than she expected.

Was she the problem? Had she been too cautious, too reserved in this relationship? Had she held back too much, leaving unsure of where they stood?

Even now, in the middle of her kiss, he was responding carefully

as if afraid he might push too far and scare her away.

Something in her chest tightened.

“Sebastian,” she whispered, voice thick, “I want you.”

She actually heard herself say it.

Sebastian’s body jolted slightly, his eyes wide as they searched hers, disbelief written across his face.

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“You… what did you say?” His voice trembled as the words left his mouth.

And the moment he asked, even his breath caught without him realizing.

He was afraid he’d misheard her or misunderstood. Or worse, that she hadn’t meant it that way at all.

He was terrified it would all end in nothing but false hope and heartbreak.

Riley smiled softly and repeated, her voice clearer, steadier, “I said I want you, Sebastian. And you? Do you want me?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed hard. His throat tightened.

God, I want her badly.

“I do, Riley,” he murmured hoarsely. “I want you so much.”

In the next moment, Sebastian lifted Riley into his arms and carried her to the edge of the bed.

Riley glanced at it. Since arriving in Washington, she’d shared this bed with him every night.

Before, it had just been a bed. But now, with everything about to unfold, her cheeks flushed and her heart raced.

He laid her down gently.

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“Are you sure about this?” he asked softly. “You won’t change your mind?”

Riley arched an eyebrow. “And if I do?”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened slightly, his gaze unwavering.

“Then no matter how much I want you, I won’t touch you.”

He would hold back until she was truly ready.

Riley smiled and tugged on his arm. Before he knew it, Sebastian was lying back on the bed, and her fingers rested on his chest.

“I won’t change my mind. So you better not back out either,” she said firmly, then leaned in to kiss him. Her fingers slowly moved down to undo the belt on his pants.

His body tensed under her touch, a faint blush rising across his skin with a subtle tremble.

He knew this meant she was finally opening her heart to him, letting him in fully. That made him feel like he truly belonged in her world.

“Riley, I love you,” he murmured, the words low and full of longing. All he wanted was to be the best version of himself—for her.

He had once seen his body as nothing more than a broken shell. But now, if it could bring her joy, if it could give her pleasure- that was a gift beyond anything he’d ever hoped for.

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He was a man trembling with desire–for Riley.

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His low, breathy sighs, the involuntary moans, the tense muscles trembling with excitement–all spoke volumes about how deeply he loved, cherished, and craved her.

By the end, Riley was so exhausted she didn’t even want to lift her fingers. It was more tiring than any battle she’d ever fought.

Half–conscious, she closed her eyes and vaguely felt lips gently pressing against her forehead.

“Riley, you can never leave me again.” Sebastian’s hoarse voice whispered close to her ear.

What a fool… How could I ever leave him…

That was the last thought flickering through Riley’s mind before sleep claimed her.

The next morning, Riley opened her eyes to hear a familiar voice beside her.

“Awake? If you want to sleep longer, it’s okay. I’ve already called in for you,” Sebastian said softly.

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