Chapter 97
Jessica wanted nothing more than to bolt.
Zachary had been away for so long that she’d forgotten to even knock before entering. She’d practically forgotten his presence in the house.
He didn’t seem bothered at all, though. He knew she was at home, yet he didn’t even head to the bathroom to get changed.
Bracing his hands against the door, he trapped her between his arms. “We’ve already done everything. What’s there to be shy about now, huh?”
A roguish smile crossed his face as he pulled her into his arms.
“Hey-”
Pressing her hands against his chest, Jessica lowered her head, too flustered to meet his eyes. Even her breathing was unsteady. His raspy murmur crept into her ears like a spell.
“Do you want to…”
She shook her head. “There’s no time. I have to change-‘
“There’s no rush,” he whispered, his voice thick with restrained lust.
“You’re hurting me,” she rasped. “Let me go.”
She pushed at him with all her strength, but he didn’t budge at all.
“I still need to do my makeup. We’re really going to be late…”
Zachary smirked and said nothing more. His gaze drifted to the belt lying on the bed.
Jessica was left speechless. He wasn’t even wearing a belt right now.
A low chuckle escaped his lips as he stroked her hair, finally deciding to stop teasing her. Otherwise, they’d never make it out of the room in time. ·
“Take a shower. I’ll wait,” he said.
He turned around and picked up his white shirt from the bed. As he slipped it on, she darted
into the walk–in closet to grab her clothes.
By the time she came out of the shower, he was already working in the study.
On the bed, however, lay a long, sleeveless high–neck evening dress. The fitting, pale–blue satin was embroidered with gold patterns at the waist and came with a white fur shawl. Beside it was a brand–new black wool coat.
Jessica had to admit that this was pretty thoughtful of Zachary,
She closed the closet door behind her and slipped into the dress. Paired with white crystal- studded heels, she looked slender and graceful.
Carefully, she walked to the study and stopped a few feet away from him.
“Blake is waiting downstairs.”
Zachary’s gaze fell on the pair of heels on the carpet first. He glanced up, his eyes burning with
desire.
“Come here,” he said, crooking a finger.
Jessica faltered. She was afraid to get close to him, but unable to refuse, she eventually
shuffled toward him.
“Zachary, I just did my makeup,” she muttered, her face flushed as she avoided his eyes.
He caught her hand and pulled her into his arms. Propping herself against his chest, she tried to keep some space between them.
Gently, he tilted her face up to his and crooned, “Are you mad because I haven’t been in touch with you lately?”
Even through the layers of fabric, she could feel the heat between his thighs. Its presence was
unavoidable.
“I’m not,” she said.
“You’re a terrible liar.”
His breath lingered on her face as he leaned closer, brushing her lips with a soft, yet firm kiss.
That was all it took.
He’d caught her off guard. Her cheeks went scarlet.
“Don’t keep things from me next time. Just tell me.”
Apparently, Joshua had done his job.
“Alright,” she said.
Gazing at her slightly parted lips, Zachary couldn’t help kissing her again, smearing her lipstick all over the edges. The fervent kiss stole her breath, and there was no way she could escape. His scent overwhelmed her senses as he looked right into her eyes, his gaze thick with
lust.
It wasn’t until a phone buzzed on the table that the moment broke.
Blushing, Jessica grabbed the fabric from the floor and fled. Zachary watched her escape, the corners of his month lifting.
The car rolled to a stop in front of Montvale Court, a garden complex near Westlake Park that catered to the elite. It offered every luxury, but entry was far from open to just anyone.
Jessica held Zachary’s arm. It was her first time attending this kind of banquet with him.
“Derrick and Celine are here, too,” he dutifully informed her.
“I see,” she said evenly, as though she’d just heard something trivial.
