Chapter 77
77:
“Is something wrong? Is my hair messed up again?” she asked, summoning her courage.
His lips parted slightly, his voice dipping into a husky rasp. “No. It’s not that. I just think you’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his words slow, deliberate. “And suddenly… I want to kiss you.”
His breath skimmed her skin, so light it was barely there.
Linsey’s eyes widened, her breath stalling. Had she misheard him? But the moment her gaze locked onto his intense, unwavering eyes, she knew he wasn’t joking.
Her throat tightened, and she swallowed hard, her pulse hammering in her ears. This was happening—so fast, so suddenly.
Yet, strangely, not a trace of hesitation or rejection stirred within her.
A quiet, almost thrilling anticipation unfurled in the back of her mind. After all, they were married. Wasn’t this natural? Why should she push him away?
Her fingers trembled slightly as she slowly closed her eyes, offering silent consent.
Collin’s already unsteady breath grew even more uneven at the sight.
His grip on her chin tightened just a fraction, his thumb brushing against her soft skin. The faint, unintentional stroke sent the lightest shiver through her—an unfamiliar, feather-light sensation that tingled down her spine.
His dark eyes deepened with something unreadable, something heavy. Leaning in, he closed the distance between them, their breaths colliding—warm, uneven, charged with an undeniable heat. Their lips were a mere breath away—when a sudden, sharp knock shattered the moment.
Linsey had been holding her breath, already on edge.
The abrupt sound jolted her, her heart lurching violently. Like a startled rabbit, she sprang to her feet—too fast, too careless. Her lips accidentally collided with Collin’s chin in the process. A sharp sting shot through her, and she let out a soft cry, instinctively pressing her fingers to her mouth.
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝒸о𝗺 opens doors to wonder
Her eyes stung as she covered her lips, putting instant distance between them. She looked up at him, grievance clouding her gaze, her expression pitiful.
Collin’s face darkened in an instant.
Who had the audacity to interrupt at such a critical moment?
As he noticed how Linsey had instinctively backed away, his irritation spiked even further. His voice dropped into a cold, clipped tone. “Who is it?”
Outside the door, there was a tense pause before the cautious tone of Collin’s subordinate pierced the silence. “Mr. Riley, there’s a pressing matter I need to discuss with you.”
The subordinate couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. His thoughts raced. Was Mr. Riley out of sorts because of the long hours? Why did his voice seem so strained?
On the other side of the door, Linsey’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. The study was Collin’s sanctuary, a place where he immersed himself in his work, and she had just interrupted him. The realization that she had possibly hindered his tasks made her stomach twist with regret.
“Well… you should get back to your work. I’ll… go prepare something for you to eat. You can enjoy it whenever you’re free,” she stammered, her words faltering under the weight of her unease.
Before Collin could respond, Linsey spun on her heel and dashed away, her heart pounding.
The subordinate, still waiting outside, jumped as the door suddenly swung open. He stood frozen, momentarily caught off guard, not expecting that his boss would open the door for him. But his surprise deepened when he saw who it was.
“Mrs. Riley, what brings you here?” he blurted out, his voice laced with bewilderment.
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