Chapter 169

Aurora paused, closed her book, and set it gently on the nightstand.
Leaning over, her soft body pressed against Daniel’s back. Her breath brushed the side of his neck, carrying that sweet, feminine scent that was uniquely hers.
She was awkward, inexperienced.
Yet somehow, her innocence alone was enough to spark desire in him.
He hooked a large hand around her waist, pulling her roughly into his arms, their bodies fitting together without a gap.
Aurora couldn’t move.
She had never had the upper hand in matters like this-especially when it came to seduction. Even with a purpose in mind, shame burned in her chest, coloring her ears a deep red.
She had no idea what to do next.
All she could do was follow her instincts-press her hands against his chest, lift herself up, and try to kiss his lips.
A heat simmered in Daniel’s chest. He didn’t want her kiss; he tipped his head back slightly to avoid it.
Her hesitant kiss landed instead on his throat.
Daniel’s usually dark eyes turned nearly pitch-black, his grip on her waist tightening as he rolled over, pinning her hard against the mattress.
“Aurora.”
His voice was sharp, irritated.
He knew perfectly well she had an agenda behind every move.
He ought to push her away.
But his body betrayed him, every vein alive with restless need, screaming to claim her.
Aurora wrapped her arms around his neck, her expression a mix of sultry provocation and biting sarcasm.
“What’s wrong? Don’t like it? Or maybe you prefer Ms. Cooper?” Her voice dripped with acid. “She has the looks, the pedigree-she’d make the perfect Mrs. Chambers. If that’s what you want, I could always practice.”
She couldn’t hold back her resentment any longer.
Daniel met her gaze, his eyes cold and stormy.
“As long as you understand. So right now, you’d better focus on pleasing me.” His laugh was low, cruel.
When it came to trading barbs, Aurora was no match for him. Official source ıs.net
He took control, turning the tables, leaving her powerless.
There was nothing in Aurora’s eyes as she once again reached up to kiss him.
Her lips were cool, uncertain.
She didn’t know what else to do but kiss him-no skill, no experience.
But it was enough to make him tremble with want.
Daniel’s eyes burned red, veins straining against the backs of his hands. He crushed her against his chest.
The rest of the night passed in wordless, fevered entanglement—a storm of bodies, stripped of any hint of tenderness.
It had nothing to do with love.
When it was over, Daniel took a shower, dressed, and left without so much as a backward glance.
For the first time, he walked out immediately afterward—no warmth, no gentle words.
Not until the door shut behind him did Aurora drag her weary body into the bathroom. She washed herself slowly, inch by inch. Halfway through, she braced herself against the tile, sliding down until she was curled up on the floor, hugging her knees.
Her pale skin was mottled with bruises that looked even starker beneath the steaming water.
Only when she started to shiver did she reach for a towel, drying off before pulling on a robe.
The bedroom was a mess.
She stared at the chaos, eyes stinging with unshed tears.
Too exhausted to clean up, she grabbed a throw blanket and curled up on the sofa, making do for the night.
She drifted in and out of sleep-two hours here, a brief spell of wakefulness there.
Sleeping, waking. Over and over, caught in a restless loop.
When six o’clock finally came, she forced herself up from the sofa, sore all over.
She changed clothes and headed downstairs.
Daniel was already at the table, having breakfast.
A suitcase stood by the front door.
He must be leaving on a business trip.
Aurora glanced away and sat across from him.
The housekeeper brought out breakfast.
Aurora ate in small bites.
When she finished, the housekeeper set a cup of bitter herbal tonic in front of her. Three times a day, never missed.
Aurora grimaced but swallowed it down. The housekeeper brought over a plate of sweet dates.
She refused. “I don’t want them anymore. Don’t let them mess with the medicine.” She’d have to get used to that bitter taste, one way or another.