Chapter 98
"Alexander!" Zoey exclaimed, "Put me down."
"Your foot doesn't hurt anymore?" Alexander raised an eyebrow.
Zoey pressed her lips together, saying nothing.
Alexander chuckled softly, carrying her towards the terrace, completely ignoring the stares from the people around them.
The night breeze was cool, and the roses on the terrace were in full bloom.
Alexander carefully placed her on a wicker chair, kneeling down to put her high heels back on.
His movements were so gentle, as if he were handling a precious piece of art.
"Alexander," Zoey suddenly spoke.
"What's up?" He looked up, the moonlight casting a silver edge on his features.
"Why me?"
Alexander pondered for a moment, then took her hand. "Because only in front of you do I want to be gentle."
Zoey's heart fluttered.
This man, who appeared so cold and domineering to others, was now kneeling before her, his gaze unbelievably tender.
"Zoey," Alexander pressed her hand to his cheek, "I only want to do these things with you."
The night breeze carried the distant sound of music and the scent of flowers.
She looked at their intertwined hands and suddenly realized.
At some point, she had grown accustomed to his touch, even craving this warmth.
"So, can you give me a chance?" Alexander asked softly.
Zoey didn't answer immediately.
Alexander didn't rush her either; he had all the patience in the world. They had already kissed today, so he believed their relationship would soon be confirmed.
In the shadows of the terrace, Yvonne clutched the curtain tightly, her nails nearly tearing the fabric.
She watched as Alexander knelt to put Zoey's shoes on, gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and then kissed her again.
This kiss was even more passionate than the one on the dance floor.
Alexander held the back of Zoey's head with one hand to keep her from hitting the wicker chair, while his other arm wrapped around her waist, enveloping her completely.
The scene was painfully beautiful.
"Marcus..." Yvonne's voice trembled, "I'm going home."
Marcus looked at Yvonne with concern. "I'll take you."
"No need." Yvonne forced a smile, "I need some time alone."
She took one last look at the couple kissing on the terrace and turned to leave.
She passed by Tamsin, who greeted her, but no one paid attention.
Tamsin was more worried that Alexander might devour her Zoey!
Did they really need to kiss for that long?
On the terrace, Alexander's kiss deepened.
Zoey's hands were on his chest, but she didn't try to push him away.
This realization made Alexander's heart race. He pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against hers. "Is this okay?"
Zoey's eyelashes fluttered, casting delicate shadows in the moonlight.
This small reaction made Alexander's breath catch.
He suddenly lifted her, sitting down on the wicker chair with Zoey straddling his lap.
Their bodies pressed tightly together, breaths mingling.
"Zoey..." Alexander's voice was husky, his fingers threading through her hair, "You're so beautiful."
Zoey's ears burned.
This position was too intimate; she could feel every contour of Alexander's muscles and... his gradually awakening desire.
"Alexander..." She leaned back slightly, but he pulled her back by the waist.
"Don't run," Alexander murmured, his lips gently sucking at her skin. "Let me hold you a little longer."
Zoey stiffened in his arms, her heart pounding.
Alexander's lips trailed along her neck, stopping at her collarbone, leaving a faint pink mark.
"You..." Zoey's voice trembled.
Alexander looked up, his eyes filled with undisguised desire and tenderness. "Just marking you."
His thumb brushed over the kiss mark. "You are mine."
Zoey turned her face away. "I'm not an object that needs marking. How childish."
Alexander chuckled, holding her tighter, his chin resting on her hair, gently rubbing.
Inside, Tamsin was peeking out the window, only to be pulled away by Daniel. "Stop looking!"
"But..." Tamsin's eyes sparkled, "Zoey's going to be Alexander's girlfriend!"
Daniel sighed. "Does Alexander know you're so eager to sell him out?"
Marcus stood not far away, frowning. He knew Yvonne wouldn't give up so easily.
On the terrace, the night breeze was cool. Zoey gently pushed Alexander. "We should go back."
Alexander reluctantly let go, but as she stood up, he suddenly pulled her back for another long kiss.
"Alexander!" Zoey finally got a bit annoyed.
"Last one," Alexander promised with a smile, but then pecked her lips again. "Just kidding."
He finally let her go but insisted on fixing her slightly messy hair and dress. Zoey swatted his hand away. "I can do it myself."
Alexander didn't mind, just watched her with a smile.
In the moonlight, Zoey's profile looked like a finely crafted piece of art, making him lean in for another kiss.
"You..." Zoey glared at him.
"Couldn't help it," Alexander said shamelessly.
When they returned to the ballroom, Tamsin immediately rushed over. "Zoey! You guys... kissed for so long!"
Zoey's ears turned red, avoiding her inquisitive gaze. "I'm getting a drink."
Alexander naturally followed. "I'll join you."
Daniel and Marcus exchanged a look.
Marcus understood immediately. "I'll keep an eye on Yvonne from now on."
"You know Alexanderander rarely gets angry, but when he does, none of us can handle it," Daniel patted his shoulder.
Marcus nodded and left first, the other guests gradually dispersing. No one inside had noticed the little drama outside.
"Alexander, I'm heading out. Let's catch up soon," Glenn said, greeting Alexander.
Alexander nodded. "You've been drinking. I'll have a driver take you."
"No need, I'll take him," Ophelia offered.
Alexander seemed to understand something, a smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, don't lose him."
"Tamsin, I've been drinking too. Can your driver take me home?" Daniel clung to Tamsin.
Tamsin wanted to leave with Zoey. "I want to go with Zoey..."
"Alexander will take her," Daniel said, pulling her away.
Alexander naturally picked up Zoey's violin case. "I'll take you home."
They walked side by side to the parking lot. Alexander noticed Zoey hadn't spoken and thought she was angry. "Are you mad?"
"What?" Zoey was startled. "I'm not mad at you. I'm just mad at myself..."
For having so little self-control, getting kissed so easily.
"If you're upset, you can kiss me back a hundred times, or even bite me," Alexander said, leaning his face closer.
Zoey pushed his face away. "In your dreams."
She now saw Alexander clearly. He displayed his affection openly, not giving her a moment to breathe.