“But that’s against the law,” said Flora.
Flora seemed uneasy. Justin held her hand tight, trying to calm her, “Chill, I haven’t done anything yet.”
“Justin, promise me you won’t do anything impulsive.”
As Justin placed a piece of fish on Flora’s plate, he intertwined their fingers and gave her a warm smile. “Cross my heart.”
Feeling more at ease, Flora dug into her meal. Justin helped her with the food, one arm wrapped around her waist from behind.
Flora blushed, a bit flustered, but kept on eating.
Justin barely touched his food. He either filled Flora’s plate or watched her eat with a playful expression.
A while later, Flora patted her belly. “I’m stuffed.”
“Really?”
Flora chuckled and patted her belly, “Like a balloon.”
“Let me see.” She thought he was kidding, but he actually reached out and touched her stomach.
She tensed up, and the room seemed to get warmer.
Slipping his hand under her sweater, Justin made contact with Flora’s silky skin.
There was a couch behind her, just wide enough for one. Taking charge, he leaned over her. Flora, feeling weak, laid down.
As he caressed her, Flora’s body tensed. She felt a shiver threatening to break loose.
“What’s up?” Justin asked.
Flora hadn’t expected Justin’s move. Even with memories of the past year, this level of intimacy was unfamiliar.
Seeing her discomfort, Justin’s eyes went cool and unreadable. Fixing her clothes, he pulled back his hand and said, “My bad.”
“Justin, it’s just that…”
He drew her into his embrace, his chin gently brushing her forehead, and his smile softened, “I get it. I’m just too eager. You’re saving the real deal for later, huh?”
She tensed under his grip, feeling overwhelmed and unable to breathe.
Her face went pale. Justin’s smirk grew as he pulled her up, “C’mon, let’s bounce.”
Standing at Manchette Hotel’s entrance, the evening cold breeze get in Flora’s head, and Justin’s earlier words left her with a pounding headache.
Leaning against a nearby Roman column, she waited for him to pull up the car.
As fate would have it, she spotted Dylan. Her body tensed, as if facing a fierce adversary.
The unease beneath her composed facade didn’t escape Dylan’s notice.
Dressed casually and alone, Dylan didn’t appear to be meeting anyone.
Flora glanced at the parking lot, but Justin’s car hadn’t emerged yet.
With a sly grin, Dylan approached. Instead of walking past her as she’d hoped, he stopped right beside her.
“Waiting for someone?”
Maybe it was guilt, but Flora didn’t want Justin to see her with Dylan.
“Mr. Bowles, are you meeting someone?”
“No.” Dylan mimicked her pose, leaning on the column, “I came specifically for you.”
Surprised, she asked, “Do you need something?”
“Come with me.” Dylan tossed out the words casually.
“I’ve got plans.” Flora tried to persuade him, all the while fearing Justin’s arrival. She intentionally put distance between her and Dylan. The breeze felt colder now.
This deliberate space seemed to make the already icy and handsome man’s face even frostier, “Flora, when we were intimate, you were so close. Now that your ex is back, you’ve turned cold and heartless?”
“What do you want?” She lowered her voice, barely suppressing her fury, her tone a rough growl.
“Found something interesting today,” Dylan replied calmly.
Flora looked away, unwilling to engage.
Dylan took out his phone, casually swiping through a few items. His tall figure cast a shadow on Flora’s somber face. He showed her the screen, “Intriguing, isn’t it?”
Flora glanced, her eyes widening rapidly. Hand over her mouth, her horrified expression was clear, “You—”
Dylan pocketed his phone, turned to leave, and asked, “So, you coming or not?”
She stood there, her body cold and unable to move. Her heart felt suffocated and torn.
Dylan opened the car door and got in. Flora quickly followed.
“Delete that photo.”
Starting the car, Dylan hit the gas and said, “I have more interesting ones. Want to see?”
Under the dim streetlights, Flora face appeared fragile and delicate, bathed in a unique, soft yellow glow.
It seemed she was holding back. Dylan glanced at her and noticed the turmoil in her eyes.
Flora wanted to cry, and at the same time, a dreadful feeling made her afraid to think about what might happen next.
