Anna’s POV:
“Forget it, let’s keep going!” Blake growled through clenched teeth, biting my lower lip hard enough to make me wince. He then abruptly hung up the phone, the click echoing in the tense silence.
1 frowned and pulled away slightly, the mood instantly broken.
In one swift motion, Blake lifted me up. His hands supported my waist as he carried me to the couch, his eyes never leaving mine. He gently laid me down as we fell back into our passionate embrace
With practiced ease, he unbuttoned my blouse with one hand while the other pinned my wrists above my head.
The contrast between his gentle touch and commanding grip sent shivers down my spine. He lowered himself, kissing my collarbone and shoulders, his lips leaving a trail of fire on my skin.
My nails lightly scratched down his back, causing him to shiver slightly.
“You drive me crazy, Anna,” he murmured against my skin.
Blake nibbled on my earlobe, whispering words only meant for us. My fingers ran through his short hair as I closed my eyes, lost in his tenderness.
One of his hands traced down the
eyes made my breath catch.
curve
of
my waist while the other filted my chin, forcing me to look at him. The intensity in his
Then his phone rang again.
The harsh electronic sound cut through our intimate bubble like a knife. Blake tensed immediately, his jaw clenching in frustration
“Speak! You better have a good reason!” he barked into the phone, clearly frustrated by another interruption.
I ran my hand soothingly along his back, trying to help him calm down.
After a pause with no response, Blake’s irritation grew. “If nobody’s talking, I’m hanging up.”
“Maybe it was a wrong number?” I suggested, hoping we could get back to where we were.
“Maybe,” he muttered, looking at the screen. His expression immediately changed when he saw the caller ID: “Favorite Sister.”
‘Of course it’s her,‘ I thought bitterly. ‘It’s always her.‘
“Claire? What’s wrong, Claire?” His voice instantly softened with concern, all traces of frustration vanishing.
I could hear sobbing on the other end of the line. The transformation in Blake was striking – from passionate lover to protective brother in the span of seconds.
While Blake was focused on the call, completely forgetting my presence, I leaned forward and left. small act of defiance against being so easily forgotten.
‘Let her see that, at least,‘ I thought, a small part of me hoping it would cause a problem.
ole mark on his neck
-a
I slipped away quietly and headed to the bathroom. As I closed the door behind me, the sight inside made me pause.
1/3
Chapter 90
The flore and barkdals were offered with one pl
Such a waste, I thought, turning on the shower head and washing for pals down the drain, wanding as the swited away I wa a silent expression of my fraction, seeing the sad pals disappear just the one moment tren
washing my his traces with impo
Under the hot water, I scrabbed every inch of skin Blake had foute water was nearly scalding, but i welcomed the physical discomfort as fiscation from the emotional pain
Looking in the mirror after my shower, I motiond my skat had turnered form my appese dening My reflecten met tek z me, eyes slightly puffy.
I know I’ll be sleeping alone tonight.
The rose petals in the bathroom and bathtubs were beautiful Too bad Blake won’t see them dow
I’m scrubbing my lips, scrubbing every part of my body he touched, but can it really get deal
Is there some advanced technology that could take out my heart – the one that’s loved him for so many
and wash is dest
I wrapped myself in the plush hotel robe and sat on the edge of the lacton
I ran my fingers through my damp hair, trying to compose myself
It’s just sex. We agreed not to talk about feelings.
When I came out of the bathroom, I was surprised to find Blake still there, dressed in his coat and ready to leave. He was standing by the door, phone in hand, looking distracted.
“You’re still here?” I asked, keeping my voice nextral
“Yeah.” He hesitated, eyes darting to his phone and back to me. “Are you staying here tonight?
“Well, honey, if you need to go take care of business, go ahead. I paid for this room, so of course I’m staying.” I walked over and adjusted his collar with practiced wifely care, the gesture feeling both intimate and hollow. “Go on.”
“Claire…” he started, a hint of guilt in his voice.
“I understand,” I said simply, cutting him off.
1 always understand when it comes to Claire, I added silently.
“Come to the office tomorrow morning. My assistant will have the lawyers draft the EcoMarine Group transfer agreement for you to review before signing
“Got it. You are the one I trust most.” I smiled, trying to appear unbothered.
After he left, the suite felt unnaturally quiet. I organized the drinks in the suite, running my fingers over the expensive bottles. I
the champagne back in the cabinet.
put
Champagne is mostly for celebrations. Tonight obviously doesn’t call for that.
I pouted myself a glass of the red wine Blake had planned to drink earlier and savored the bite of it against my tongue.
I walked to the floor–to–ceiling windows and looked out at the city. Boston looked different at night, especially from this height.
Chapter 90
Outside, a thin fog covers all of Boston, with dazzling neon lights cutting through the haze like a long river, penetrating the mist with a faint glow.
I pressed my hand against the cool glass, feeling small against the vastness of the cityscape,
I raised my glass in a mock toast to my reflection.
Here’s to us, Anna. To things that are over before they even begin.‘
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