Chapter 3 The Proposition
Adeline watched Julian closely, waiting for any flicker of surprise or discomfort to cross his face. Much to her satisfaction, his expression stayed the same, amused, intrigued, and maddeningly calm.
His eyes locked on hers, and within them she caught a darker glint, something that mirrored the wild impulse that had pushed her to ask that question in the first place.
“Are you sure you want to do it again?” he asked, his voice low and teasing. He leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering. “Because if it happens again, it won’t end with just a kiss.”
She swallowed hard, taking the last swig of her wine and letting the warm liquid burn down her throat. Then, without hesitation, she placed the empty glass on the coffee table.
The alcohol had fully settled in her system, unraveling her usual restraint. She was exhausted, body and mind, yet also deeply aroused in a way she couldn’t explain. All she knew was that she wanted this, she wanted Julian Hale, and she wanted him now.
Slowly and deliberately, Adeline shifted on the sofa, kneeling so she was facing him.
His eyes darkened with desire as he watched her, his expression finally betraying the lust she already knew was there. Feeling emboldened by his gaze, she reached up with one hand and slipped the thin strap of her dress off her shoulder, exposing the upper part of her breasts. Thankfully, she wasn’t wearing a bra.
“Do I look like I want it to end with just a kiss?” she asked, her voice low and husky.
His gaze dropped to her exposed skin, and she saw the effect she was having on him. His eyes, now almost predatory, roamed her body with an intensity that made her pulse race.
He didn’t bother replying. Instead, he moved in a single, fluid motion. His hands found her body, firm and possessive, pulling her toward him. Without hesitation, his fingers slid the other strap of her dress off her shoulder, letting the fabric fall away, exposing her bare breasts.
A shiver ran through her as cool air brushed her skin, though the heat radiating from him quickly replaced it. He took a brief moment to look at her, his gaze lingering on her round, perky breasts with pure, unfiltered desire.
His hands, rough against her soft skin, sent a thrill up her spine. Slowly, almost teasingly, he leaned in and flicked his tongue over one of her nipples, making her moan and arch her back in pleasure.
The sensation was electric, sharp, and intoxicating, leaving her trembling. The heat between her legs grew unbearable, an ache only he could ease. She wanted more, she wanted everything.
Sensing her need, his hands slid down her sides to grip her hips, pulling her closer until she was straddling his lap.
He wasted no time. His mouth latched onto her breast, his tongue flicking her nipple with precision. A shudder rippled through her as he lightly bit down, sending another jolt of pleasure straight to her core.
His free hand moved to her other breast, teasing and flicking until she was a breathless mess in his arms.
She could barely think or breathe, consumed entirely by the waves of pleasure flooding her. Every touch, every movement, every flick of his tongue heightened her desire, leaving her desperate for more.
Then his mouth left her breast, trailing slow, deliberate kisses up her body. His lips traced the curve of her collarbone and the hollow of her throat before reaching her neck, where he lingered, his breath hot and heavy.
Her fingers tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer, craving his touch.
When his lips finally met hers, the kiss was fierce, raw, and consuming, like an explosion of pent-up need. His tongue teased hers, claiming dominance, and she kissed him back just as fiercely, pouring all her frustration and desire into it, losing herself in his taste.
Without breaking the kiss, she reached between them, tugging at his shirt. Buttons came undone one by one until it was gone, revealing his bare chest.
Her hands explored him, tracing the hard lines of muscle beneath her fingertips.
Julian’s hands weren’t idle either; they moved to her dress, pushing it higher until it was over her head, leaving her in only lace panties.
He growled in approval, his eyes dark with hunger as he took her in. His fingers hooked under the waistband, and with one swift motion, the panties were gone, leaving her completely bare.
He paused, his gaze heated as he admired her before moving to undo his own pants. They helped each other in their haste until he was as naked as she was.
The sight of him, hard and ready, sent another wave of need crashing through her. With a rough pull, he drew her closer, positioning her above him. She felt the tip of him press against her entrance, and the anticipation was almost unbearable.
He paused, meeting her eyes. “Are you on pills, or do I need to...?”
Adeline nodded, breathless. “Yes, I am. Now, fuck me, please,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
That was all he needed. With a deep thrust, he filled her completely, the suddenness making her cry out in pleasure and pain.
He didn’t give her time to adjust; his hands gripped her hips, moving her to his rhythm, rough, demanding, and intoxicating.
She matched his pace, riding him harder, every movement bringing them closer to the edge. The sound of their breathing, the heat of their skin, and the rhythm of their bodies filled the room.
His hands roamed possessively over her body, pulling her down for another kiss that left her breathless.
The tension inside her built with every thrust, coiling tighter, ready to snap. Her nails dug into his shoulders as her moans filled the air. His pace grew faster, his grip tighter.
“Fuck, I’m coming,” she gasped, her voice breaking as she neared her climax.
A few more thrusts, and pleasure tore through her in waves. She cried out his name as her body trembled, walls clenching around him.
With a few more hard movements, he followed, groaning as he released with her.
“Fuck, that was...” she breathed, unable to finish.
There were no words for what had just happened.
“Yeah,” he replied simply. “It was.”
“I want to do this again, Julian,” she said with a smirk. “But next time, let’s use the bedroom. I don’t like being limited to one position.”
“Gotcha,” he said, pulling her into another deep, dizzying kiss.
Later, as Adeline dressed, the bathroom door opened, and Julian stepped out, a towel hanging low on his hips. Droplets trailed down his chest, and she forced herself to look away, ignoring the flutter in her stomach.
“Have you figured out what you’re going to do about the media?” he asked casually.
She rolled her eyes, sighing. “Clearly, I had no time to think, considering we were busy all night,” she said with a light chuckle. “But I can already imagine the mess waiting for me back home.”
He folded his arms, taking a step closer. The nearness made her pulse quicken.
“I have a solution,” he said.
Her brows lifted, curiosity piqued. “And what brilliant idea do you have, Hale?” she asked, skeptical.
“Let’s get married,” he said, his face serious. Adeline froze, turning toward him, wondering if he had completely lost his mind.