When Angela looked into Richard’s eyes, she had the sensation that she was being submerged in them. She held her breath for such a prolonged period that she heaved a sigh of relief when she finally came to her senses.
She shook her head and pleaded, “Please, don’t look at me that way.” When she realized she couldn’t stay in front of him any longer, she turned away and said, “I should head back to the room.”
However, as she approached the door, he grabbed her arm and drew her into his arms with no apparent force. He held one hand around her waist and the other behind her head to support her while he kissed her passionately, and it took her breath away.
“Hmm!” In retaliation, her body became rigid while still in his arms. Her brain became so foggy that she could not even consider shoving the man away from her. The only thing on her mind now was how domineering the man was in kissing her. He gently released his lips until she was on the verge of passing out, at which point he continued to look intently at her.
“One of the many questions you asked me in the past is whether or not I will feel tempted if I am protecting another woman. My reply is… unless you’re that woman, I will not be tempted.”
“Why me?” Angela asked sluggishly, forgetting to push Richard away.
“Because you’re the only one I’m interested in,” he replied, his smile tinged with self-mockery and helplessness.
As Angela’s heart ached in response to his words, she immediately struggled to escape his embrace and took two steps back. “I’m not going to do this to Annie.
You aren’t allowed to hurt her too. If you do, I will never forgive you.” She turned around and attempted to open the door but quickly realized that it was much too heavy for her. She staggered to her feet after losing her balance due to the door’s weight.
Richard immediately approached Angela and, with his long arms, opened the door for her before he chuckled. “Did that kiss I gave you make your knees go weak?”
She glared at him in utter disgust that he would still have the nerve to say such a thing. Next, she fled from the room along the corridor toward the bathroom to calm herself down.
Meanwhile, Richard made his way to a room, pushed open the door, and entered, where he was greeted by a calm and charming man. He had obviously been waiting a long time as he was staring intently out the window.
“Sorry for the wait, Elliot,” he apologized as he sat across from him.
The man waiting for Richard at the table was Elliot Presgrave. Dressed in a deep black suit, he gave off a sense of regal elegance. “Don’t worry. I know how busy
you are, “he said while adjusting his posture. Then, looking at his best friend
with curiosity, he asked, “Is it my imagination? It appears that you have changed slightly.”
“What has changed?”
“Your eyes. Have you recently met someone? I’m assuming a woman has entered your life.” With his razor-sharp gaze, Elliot assessed him.
Richard replied, almost at a loss for words, “You’re just as insightful as always.”
“It’s just a habit of mine.” He smiled. As his curiosity grew, he inquired, “Did you meet someone you’re interested in?”
Richard hadn’t expected such a swift blow to his self-esteem. He had said before that he would never have romantic feelings for a woman. However, God had other plans for him and set up a love affair that he couldn’t avoid in less than three months. “Yeah.” He nodded without. attempting to contradict Elliott’s assumption.
Elliot said while he appeared to be congratulating hirm with his gaze, “Let’s have dinner together sometime soon. You can then introduce her to Anastasia and me.”
However, Richard had no assurance that such a day would come. “It’s a little complicated right now. We’ll talk about it when the time comes.”
