Chapter 102
Chapter 102:
The double meaning hung in the air, thick and electric.
I took a step forward — and froze.
I became acutely aware of my own state. I smelled of chemical solvents and ancient mold. My hair was frizzy from the humidity of the steamer, and my clothes felt sticky and damp. Standing before him in his immaculate, powerful glory, I felt small. Dirty. Unworthy.
“I can’t,” I stammered, clutching my purse like a shield.
Dallas set his wine glass down, his gaze narrowing. He stood, his movements fluid and lethal, and began stalking toward me. “You can’t p>
Ch𝘪𝗻𝘦𝘴e ո𝗼𝗏𝘦𝗅𝗌 𝗍𝗋𝗮𝘯𝗌𝗅atе𝖽 𝘰ո
“I smell like mildew,” I blurted out, backing away as he advanced. The intensity in his eyes was too much — a raging fire I wasn’t ready to step into. Not like this. “I need to shower. I need to p>
Before he could reach me, I turned and bolted for the stairs, my heart pounding in my throat. It was a cowardly retreat — a flight from the intimacy I had promised but suddenly feared.
I didn’t look back. But as I reached the landing, I heard it: the soft clink of glass against the table, followed by a low, satisfied hum.
He wasn’t angry. He was amused.
Down in the living room, Dallas picked up the glass he had poured for me. He swirled the dark red liquid slowly, watching the spot where I had disappeared, a predatory smile curving his lips. He drained it in a single swallow.
The hunt was on.
The morning sun hadn’t even breached the horizon when I crept out of the guest bedroom, heels in hand. The penthouse was silent — a vast expanse of shadows and expensive stillness. My heart was a frantic bird in my chest. I wasn’t just running late; I was running away.
Last night’s promise of tonight hung over me like a guillotine blade. In the cold light of dawn, my courage had withered. I had been born without a wolf — incomplete, lacking the one thing that defined everyone in this world. How could I possibly satisfy a Lycan King? Dallas was a creature of primal power and infinite strength. I was just Adella. If I let him claim me completely, I feared I would shatter, losing the fragile self I had only just begun to rebuild.
I tiptoed toward the kitchen, intending to grab a bottle of water and flee to the safety of the office before the beast awoke.
But the beast never sleeps.
“Going somewhere without saying goodbye p>
I froze. Dallas leaned against the granite island counter like a dark statue carved from the night. He had changed into casual trousers and a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal the knotted muscles of his forearms. The kitchen air was thick with his scent — that predator’s musk, terrifying yet irresistible.
He didn’t look angry. He looked hungry.
“I didn’t want to wake you,” I lied, my voice trembling.