Chapter 783

Seth had always considered himself a man of strong will. But his much-vaunted self- control was utterly worthless in front of Noreen. No matter how many times this happened, he would always be lost in her. Right now, he hated the Caldwells with a bone-deep fury. If he had known this was their scheme, he never would have played along. And now, he was well and truly trapped. Noreen’s reason was gone, completely dominated by the drug. Her watery eyes, which could tempt a saint to sin, were hazy as she desperately pressed herself against him, as if his proximity was the only thing that could soothe her suffering. Just the look in her eyes was unbearable. A fine sheen of sweat coated Seth’s forehead, and his Adam’s apple bobbed uncontrollably. A raspy voice, sounding as if it were being scraped from the depths of his throat, emerged as he clenched his jaw. “Noreen, you’re tempting me to do something we’ll both regret.” Noreen just burrowed her face into the crook of his neck, completely oblivious to the tormented expression on his face. A fire raged within her, threatening to consume her entirely. “So hot…” Her entire body was flushed a delicate shade of pink. Seth’s heart pounded as he looked at her, his muscles tensing in a desperate battle for control as beads of sweat traced paths down his cheeks. The air was thick with a primal, intoxicating scent. Noreen’s hot breath ghosted over his sensitive ear. “Help me,” she begged helplessly, her eyes misty and the corners tinged red, creating a beautifully broken look under the lamplight. “I can’t,” Seth rasped, not daring to look at her. “You’ll be angry when you’re sober. You’ll hate me, and you’ll avoid me.” Forcing himself to stay rational, he laid her back on the bed. He quickly grabbed the comforter, trying to wrap her up again. But Noreen was already burning up and refused to cooperate. She thrashed wildly. Seth fumbled, struggling to keep her covered. He’d get the top half secured, and she’d kick the bottom free. He’d fix the bottom, and she’d pull the top away. In the midst of the chaos, Seth caught a glimpse of the pure agony on her face, a result of the drug, and his hands froze. He finally gave up the fight. The moment the comforter was gone, the heat was briefly released, and Noreen let out a sigh of relief. The flimsy dress, which had been pulled and tugged during their struggle, was now hanging precariously. A drop of sweat fell from his chin, landing on her chest. She trembled at the hot touch. She looked so delicate and fragile, making him want to ravage her. The sight sent a wave of heat through him. It was true. Only Noreen could so easily ignite him. He was defeated. He leaned down and, without another moment’s hesitation, captured her lips with his. Noreen had always been the passive one in these matters. That was true in the past, and it was true now. As Seth kissed her, she just tilted her head back, letting him taste her. When his long fingers landed on her waist, she squirmed restlessly, but it felt more like an invitation, driving him further over the edge. Seth lifted her slightly, his rough palm tracing the curve of her body, feeling her every shiver and tremor. So fragile he felt she might break, so soft she melted at his touch. His electric grip on her slender waist sent a jolt of pleasure through her entire body. His voice was impossibly hoarse. “You little torment.” Even the warm, yellow light in the room seemed to take on a seductive hue. The air grew heavy, thick with the sound of their ragged breaths. Seth was in control, and his kiss was fierce and domineering. His hand held her tightly, pulling her against him, wanting to consume every part of her. Noreen was lost. But she wasn’t the only one. She let out a small whimper, like a cry, so faint and weak it sounded as if she were being utterly overwhelmed. Sweat streamed down Seth’s face. He pressed his forehead firmly against hers. “Noreen, look at me. I held back.