Chapter 75
Anna’s POV:
I was about to push Blake out of my room when we heard it–urgent,rregular knocking that made both of us freeze.
Before either of us could respond, the door swung open. Claire stood there, her hair disheveled, one shoulder strap of her silk nightgown sliding down her arm. Her eyes darted between us, glistening with tears.
“Blake. Her voice quivered, eyelashes clumped together with moistur
She pushed between us, showing me against the wall. My shoulder blades hit the cold surface, sending a sharp pain through my back.
Claire clutched Blake’s arm like a lifeline. “Blake, I just had a nightmare… I dreamed my leg was injured. It hurt so much! Her voice sounded fragile, trembling with each word, “and someone said they would ruin my dance career, it was terrifying
Her body shook slightly, shoulders hunching as tears rolled down her cheeks.
I fought back a laugh, though my stomach churned with disgust. Her performance was so pathetic yet somehow effective.
I watched her carefully–noticed how those tear–filled eyes kept darting to gauge Blake’s reaction.
Blake’s expression transformed instantly.
The warmth he’d shown me seconds ago vanished, replaced by concern.
His brow furrowed deeply, jaw tensing as he pulled Claire into his arms. His hand gently stroked her back.
Then he bent down and scooped Claire into his arms. She nestled her head perfectly into the crook of his neck, arms wrapping
around him.
I stood rooted to the spot, watching Blake’s back as he carried her down the hallway until they disappeared around the corner.
“I’ll stay with you,” Blake’s deep voice echoed back to me.
“Blakey, I’m so dizzy,” Claire’s voice was deliberately loud enough for me to hear, filled with childish whining. “Can I skip rehearsal tomorrow? Can you stay home with me? I’m really scared.”
I closed the door, my knuckles turning white around the handle. My insides were a storm of emotions.
Claire had come to “steal” him. This blatant declaration of war made my blood boil.
I sat on the edge of the bed, unconsciously picking at the expensive Egyptian cotton sheets, my fingernails digging deep into the fabric.
When I finally snapped out of it, I realized I’d torn a hole in the sheet.
My thoughts gradually cleared. Blake was a formidable opponent, one I needed to persistently work on
But Claire–she was my breakthrough. Her tolerance was even lower than I’d imagined; she couldn’t handle even this level of provocation. I needed to push her buttons, force her to reveal her true self in front of Blake.
As the plan formed in my mind, a strange calmness washed over me.
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Chapter 75
My bare feet touched the cold marble floor as I crept through the darkened hallway.
My heart hammered against my ribs, palms slightly damp.
Standing outside what used to be our master bedroom, I took a deep breath.
My fingers rested on the doorknob. After a moment’s hesitation, I tuned it gently.
I slipped into the room silently. Moonlight filtered through half–drawn curtains, casting dappled shadows across the floor. The scene inside wasn’t what I expected.
Blake
Claire lay alone in the bed, breathing evenly in sleep. Blake sat in an armchair beside her. His eyes were fixed intently on Claire’s sleeping form.
He sensed my presence and looked up sharply. His eyes widened before narrowing in displeasure, a clear warning in his gaze.
He quickly raised a finger to his lips, signaling me to stay quiet.
I was confused. Why wasn’t he sleeping with her?
Seeing Blake keeping vigil at Claire’s bedside stirred an uncomfortable feeling in my chest, but I pushed it aside. This wasn’t the time for hesitation.
I steeled myself and made a bolder move. I walked barefoot toward Blake, my eyes meeting his without flinching.
Reaching him, I hooked my fingers around his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin and the tension in his muscles.
Then I leaned in and kissed him.
He stiffened momentarily before responding with intensity, his strong arms encircling my waist.
His eyes, however, remained vigilantly fixed on Claire.
I deliberately made noise, my fingers roughly pulling at his silk robe. The sound of fabric rustling seemed impossibly loud in the quiet room.
“Are you crazy?” Blake hissed, eyes boring into mine, pupils dilated.
“I want you, Blake,” I whispered seductively, my fingers tracing his chest.
His Adam’s apple bobbed. “You’re being very forward tonight,” he said, his voice rough as his grip tightened.
“Claire’s asleep. It’s fine!” I said, purposely louder, glancing quickly at the bed.
Blake’s frown deepened. “Not tonight. Tomorrow,” he warned.
I leaned close to his ear, my breath warm against his cheek. “Tomorrow Claire will be home all day. She seems much better now. Honey, I just showered.”
His breathing quickened, voice yielding. “Anna, behave yourself.”
I felt my heart flutter as I watched his attention shift from Claire to me, his expression changing from vigilance to desire.
I stepped back three paces, standing in the moonlight that outlined my silhouette.
2/3
Chapter 75
Slowly and deliberately, I peeled off my silk nightgown, each movement graceful and unhurried.
The fabric slipped down, revealing my shoulder and half my body, my skin glowing like a pearl in the soft light.
Blake’s breathing became ragged, his throat visibly tightening as he swallowed.
His gaze sharpened, focused like a hunting leopard. In just a few quick strides, he was right in front of me.
His powerful arms wrapped around my waist, his movements swift and decisive as he lifted me effortlessly.
I could feel his taut muscles and the quickening of his heartbeat.
I leaned in slightly, my lips brushing against his jaw, feeling his warmth and the slight scratch of stubble.
“Anna,” he said, his voice deep and husky, commanding. “Begging won’t help you later.”
His eyes burned with desire, unable to resist my allure, surrendering to this dangerous game.
A satisfied smile curled my lips. My plan was working.
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