Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 753

Chapter 753 Vanilla Panna Cotta

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“Girl, he saw the stuff I bought for you. Then he straight–up bribed me–gave me a year–long membership to Serene Manor. Sorry, I caved. I was honestly scared he’d come at me.

“Are you gonna wear it for him?

“Girl, he’s obsessed with you. You have to wear it. I’m terrified he’s gonna take it out on me.

“Don’t talk to me for a while. I can’t even look at him right now.”

After reading those texts, Claudia felt like her whole world had just dropped out from under her.

Harold was Chelsea’s cousin.

What were the odds?

Word was, this cousin was the kind of guy who was good at everything–aced his classes, star athlete, even street fights, he came out on top–so he pretty much did whatever he wanted. His family had been so worried he’d go off the rails, they shipped him off to the military right after high school.

Now that he was back, women were honestly scared of him. No one dared get close. Damian’s headaches had just gotten worse.

Claudia walked back into her bedroom and spotted the gift box and shopping bag sitting on the bed.

She carefully opened the box and hooked a finger through a piece of black lace…

Wear this for him?

She was pretty sure her lifespan was shorter than that fabric.

A shiver ran through her, and she quickly stuffed the whole box into the farthest corner of the walk–in closet, burying it as deep as she could.

Face flushed, she grabbed the clothes Chelsea had brought over and headed into the bathroom.

With her hand in a cast, it took her almost an hour to finally get cleaned up.

When she stepped out, Harold was already back–she had no idea when–talking on the phone out on the living room balcony.

“Mrs. Cross, would you like a little something before dinner? It’s gonna be a bit,” Megan called from the kitchen, grinning as she watched Claudia walk out.

She hadn’t seen a woman taken care of like this in a long time. Claudia was twenty–two, but she could pass for eighteen or nineteen.

Megan’s voice made Harold glance over.

Out of the corner of her eye, Claudia saw him turn and look her way. She didn’t dare look back. Just

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Chapter 753 Vanilla Panna Cotta

thinking about those lingerie sets made her cheeks burn.

“Sure,” she replied to Megan.

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“Mr. Cross brought back some dessert, pastries, and mini cupcakes. Which would you like?” Megan asked, already opening the fridge.

“The dessert, please. Thank you.”

Claudia took a seat in the dining area, and Megan brought over a small bowl, setting it gently in front of

her.

Vanilla panna cotta with berry compote. Her absolute favorite.

She took a small spoonful, felt the tension in her forehead ease, and suddenly her appetite woke up a little.

Through the carved room divider, Harold watched her like that, and the corner of his mouth lifted just slightly.

He’d grilled Chelsea for every bit of private info she had on Claudia. Chelsea hadn’t dared refuse–she’d swallowed hard and sent over a whole file.

Claudia’s taste in food was exactly like her mom’s. She always leaned toward sweet things.

Now he got why Damian would drive across town and wait in those ridiculous lines just for Isabelle’s bakery.

Harold started walking toward the dining area. Megan asked if he wanted some too, and he nodded.

Claudia’s spoon slipped just as she lifted it. The soup splashed right back into the bowl, making her jump.

A rugged guy like him was into dessert, too?

She’d pegged him as the plain grilled chicken and broccoli type.

Now she couldn’t even eat without feeling on edge.

Harold took the seat across from her. Seeing how red her earlobes were–practically glowing–he knew she’d found out about Chelsea’s earlier visit.

His throat tightened a little.

His mind flashed back to what he’d done that afternoon, while reapplying her medicine–how shameless he’d been.

She’d fallen asleep in the rocking chair around noon. Lowell had mentioned one of the new pain meds could make people drowsy–might even knock her out longer than usual. So when Harold went to change her bandages, he’d called her name softly a few times.

She hadn’t stirred.

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Chapter 753 Vanilla Panna Cotta

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So he’d kissed her.

Before all this, he never would’ve done something so low. But Harvey had made it clear he didn’t want Claudia torn later. Harvey had already let go of whatever engagement was between him and Claudia, so that chapter was closed.

Now Harold was her real husband. Legally. On paper.

Harold’s gaze dropped to Claudia’s lips. At first, it was just a soft brush. But then he couldn’t help himself he kissed her for real.

It wasn’t some quick peck. It was slow. Deep.

He’d been afraid she’d wake up suddenly, so he held himself back from going too far. But he’d stayed there, against her lips, for a long time.

And that alone had been enough to make him lose control.

Her lips were soft, warm, with a faint, sweet taste…

It left him craving more.

Claudia could feel his eyes on her. It made her skin prickle with discomfort.

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