Chapter 198
Chapter 198:
Ethan’s penetrating gaze held hers while a dangerously playful smile curved his mouth. Something flickered in his expression that sent warning bells through her system. “Noey, what exactly were you implying with that little declaration p>
Her cheeks puffed out indignantly, her glossy lips forming a perfect pout. “It wasn’t implying anything! You said you weren’t going, so naturally I’d go instead. Basic logic p>
She attempted to rise from his lap, but Ethan’s arm tightened around her waist like a steel band, anchoring her firmly against him. His eyes darkened with something unreadable. “Do you truly find the idea of accompanying me so utterly repulsive p>
The sudden intimacy of their position made Noelle’s pulse skitter wildly. She quickly abandoned her teasing tone. “I was only joking around. Just pulling your leg a little. Now let me up p>
He showed no sign of releasing her. His voice carried equal parts genuine hurt and playful accusation. “Well, now I’m genuinely wounded p>
Noelle’s brows knitted in bewilderment. “Huh p>
Before her brain could process what was happening, she felt the shocking sensation of teeth grazing her chin in a gentle but deliberate nip.
Her eyes flew wide, her crystalline gaze swimming with disbelief. “Have you lost your mind p>
Ethan’s arm stayed locked around her waist while his free hand cupped her chin, elegant fingers tracing her jawline as he regarded her with lazy satisfaction. “Since I can’t exactly punish you properly, this seemed like the most effective way to work through my frustration p>
Noelle found herself at a loss for words.
He drew closer once more, letting his nose brush hers in a featherlight caress.
𝘚𝗵а𝘳е 𝘆оur t𝗵𝘰𝘶𝗀h𝗍𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝗴𝖺𝗅𝘯𝗼𝘷еlѕ.c𝗈𝗺
The intimate gesture left her feeling dangerously exposed.
Noelle’s heartbeat stuttered, her lashes trembling like delicate wings caught in a summer breeze. Her fingers curled reflexively into tight fists.
Still trapped on his lap, she made another attempt to escape, but Ethan’s arm only tightened, securing her against him like a precious captive.
He dipped his head until their foreheads met in tender contact. Those impossibly long lashes cast dark crescents that shadowed his burning, magnetic gaze.
Noelle’s pulse thundered against her throat.
Then his lips claimed hers in a kiss that landed with both surprise and unmistakable intent.
The kiss overwhelmed her senses, stealing every breath from her lungs. Scorching heat flooded her cheeks, and she instinctively tried to retreat, but Ethan’s palm cradled the curve of her skull, drawing her deeper into his passionate assault.
Unlike their previous alcohol-hazed encounter, this was the first time they had kissed while she remained perfectly aware and present.
Lightning seemed to race through her veins, short-circuiting her thoughts and turning her limbs to liquid honey. She melted helplessly into his arms, all resistance crumbling.
Ethan’s mouth moved against hers with deliberate, unhurried precision, as though he intended to memorize every nuance of the moment. One hand remained tangled in her hair while the other wove their fingers together, his hold possessive yet infinitely gentle.
Time blurred into itself, impossible to measure.