Chapter 313
Anna’s POV:
Opening the door at this late hour, I found a young woman in professional attire standing there..
Mrs. Wright? I’m Mr. Wright’s new assistant. He asked me to deliver these items, she said, holding up a garment bag and duffel.
I recognized her as one of Melissa’s junior assistants. “Where’s Melissa?” I asked.
*She was transferred to another department. Technically a promotion, but…” She lowered her voice, “Between us, I don’t think it was really a good move for her. Everyone knows the real power is staying close to Mr. Wright.”
After she left, I climbed the stairs and knocked on my bedroom door.
‘Blake, can I come in? Your assistant dropped off some clothes for you.”
Come in- His voice deep.
I nearly dropped the bags at the sight of Blake sitting shirtless on my bed, with only my duvet covering his lower half.
“Are you crazy? Why aren’t you wearing clothes?”
Blake pulled back the duvet to reveal boxer briefs. “I am wearing clothes. What’s this if not clothes?”
I felt heat rising to my face and turned away. “You know that’s not what I meant. I’m talking about your upper body.”
‘I don’t have any clean clothes or pajamas,” he explained matter–of–factly. “Try it sometime–sleeping without a shirt is quite comfortable.”
I didn’t want to continue this conversation. “I’m leaving these here,” I said, my voice trembling slightly as I dropped the bags by the door. “There’s some ointment inside. You can apply it yourself.”
I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me.
“Bring them over here. My back hurts too much to move.”
“Weren’t you walking just fine earlier?” I muttered under my breath.
“What did you say?” he asked sharply.
I sighed. “Nothing.” I tossed the bag onto the bed.
Blake’s breathing hitched. After a moment of silence, he said in a hurt tone, “If you didn’t want to bring it over… you could have just said so. Don’t throw it on the bed I’m sleeping in.” He reached painfully for the dress shirt, the movement revealing a scar on his forearm.
“Just go,” he said, his voice heavy with sadness.
As he folded his clothes, my eyes caught his tattoo.
“Why are you still standing in the doorway?” Blake asked coldly. Then, “Standing there without helping–are you enjoying the show?” His voice was filled with pain.
I stepped toward the bed and began gathering the scattered clothing items. To reach his trousers, I had to kneel with one leg on the bed.
Suddenly, my wrist was caught in Blake’s grip. Looking up, I saw myself reflected in his eyes–my awkward position, the robe falling open slightly.
‘Blake!” I snapped, mortified.
‘Anna. His voice was low, husky, and undeniably alluring.
1/3
Chapter 313
The room seemed to grow warmer. Blake reached out to brush my cheek with gentle fingers before pulling his hand back.
What are you doing?” I demanded.
“Nothing,” he said. “Just help me apply the medication.” He turned over, lying on his stomach. I got these injuries protecting you, after all.”
Those words felt like a spell–one that could control my actions against my better judgment.
I carefully covered Blake with the duvet, leaving only his injured side exposed. After preparing the ointment, I gently applied it to his bruised ribs.
“You’ve seen every inch of me,” Blake teased. “You even know about that small mole on my butt- His words cut off with a grunt as I pressed firmly on his injury.
“By the way,” I said, changing the subject, “it wasn’t Melissa who delivered your things. I’m concerned about what happened to her. You should make proper arrangements for her.”
Blake’s tone darkened. “Would you still defend her if she did something unforgivable?”
‘I don’t know the details, so I won’t comment further,” I replied.
“I know what I’m doing,” he said firmly.
We fell into silence as I massaged his side, helping the medicine absorb. “Bear with it, I told him.
Blake chuckled. “I’ve endured for so long already. I can handle it.” My cheeks flushed as memories of our intimate past surfaced unbidden.
When I finished, I pulled the duvet back up. “There, all done.”
Blake sat up, looking dissatisfied. “Has my physique deteriorated?” he asked, poking at his abs. “I haven’t been exercising much. Too much drinking and smoking. I’m not what I used to be.”
My heart ached unexpectedly. The once disciplined, proud man I knew had allowed himself to be consumed by destructive habits and emotions. But it wasn’t my place to comment anymore.
‘I should go. Get some sleep,” I said, turning toward the door.
“Anna!” Blake called after me. “You don’t find me attractive anymore, do you? If you don’t like what you see, I can start working out again immediately…”
I had to admit to myself that his body was still magnetic, but that magnetism was dangerous. If I get too close to him, I’ll end up hurt again.
“Your body is your business, I responded flatly. “Whatever you look like has nothing to do with me.”
Blake jumped up, wincing at the sudden movement. “I stayed alive thinking of you! If it had nothing to do with you, I would have given up on myself long
ago!”
I felt confused and just wanted to escape. Nighttime conversations were too emotional–words spoken in darkness couldn’t be trusted.
Before I could leave, Blake padded across the floor in bare feet and pinned me against the door. His face was pale and grim, his expression wounded. “Am I really that unattractive to you now?”
I laughed coldly. “Blake, I don’t understand. When did I become so important to you?”
“You’ve always been important!” he insisted fiercely.
“Whatever you say, I replied dismissively. “Let me go.”
Blake cupped my face in his hands. ‘Anna, look into my eyes. Is my love not obvious to you?”
I contemplated the concept of love. “Seth said he loved me too, but all I got was pain and deception. Blake, what is love? I don’t understand anymore.”
2/3
Chapter 313
I pushed his hands away. Being with you exhausts me. Every time I see you, I just want to leave everything behind and escape from you completata
Blake swayed slightly, staring blankly. “Escape,” he repeated, his expression a strange mix of smile and grimace. That’s too cruel, Anna. It’s like your ve reached into my chest, ripped out my heart, and thrown it on the ground.”
He pulled me into a tight embrace. “Love is wanting to possess you every moment, he growled before crashing his lips against mine.
The kiss was painful and cold. I felt nothing–no emotion, no connection. I neither resisted nor responded.
When he began tugging at my clothes, I slapped him hard across the face.
Blake’s head jerked to the side. He looked like a child who’d made a terrible mistake. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me, Anna.”
I shook off his reaching hand. “No, I was wrong. I gave you the impression I was easy. Now, get out of my room. Immediately!*
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
< SHAR