Chapter 373
On a warm summer's night, the sparkling lights of Stonebridge shone like a galaxy, casting a glamorous glow over the town. Luxury cars lined the private road on either side, stretching as far as the eye could see.
In a splendid three-story mansion, a grand feast was underway. The first-floor hall buzzed with lively chatter, the noise spiraling up the carpeted staircase.
The woman who had captured countless admiring glances was abruptly dragged into a suite at the east side of the stairs.
The door slammed shut, and before the lights could flicker on, Leanne found herself backed against a wall, a man's lips pressing fiercely against hers.
She felt a hand cushioned her back, enveloped by a familiar woody scent, crisp and slightly cool, unmistakably Curtis'.
In the enveloping darkness, the world seemed quiet. Leanne wasn't frightened, only aware of the intertwined breaths filling the room. Curtis kissed her passionately, his emotions a mix of passion and something unspoken.
Leanne gasped for breath as the air around them thinned, her hands clutching his shirt in a clumsy, desperate rhythm.
Curtis gave her room to breathe, his palm supporting her back. His fingers, warm and rough, traced her skin, reluctant to let go, possessively wanting her all to himself.
"Getting all decked out like this, who's the lucky guy? Hmm?" he teased, whispering against her lips.
Leanne's breath steadied, her eyes adjusting to the dim light, reflecting his blurred features.
She measured the situation, careful not to provoke him in such a crowded setting, and played along. "For you." Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.
Curtis was not easy to appease, his lips grinding against hers tenderly yet insistently. "How about I keep you all to myself, locked away for me only?"
Leanne's patience was thin. "Why don't you get a chain and lock me up then?"
"I could," Curtis teased, his fingers hooking a delicate crystal chain at her back.
The thin chain was connected to a collar around Leanne's neck. Curtis forced her to tilt her head back with a gentle tug, exposing her graceful, smooth neck.
Cold lips pressed against the side of her neck, Curtis kissing her tenderly, his tone playful, "This is fun. Who picked this dress for you?"
It was a stunning design, not meant only for his amusement.
Leanne's neck tingled with sensitivity as his breath fanned over her, sending shivers down her spine.
"Mary chose it."
Mary had an impeccable taste. The dress was eye-catching, ethereal yet sensual, and Curtis adored it on her.
"The dress suits you," he whispered, his lips tracing her sleek jawline, drifting to the corner of her mouth, his kiss soft and lingering.
"She sent you to spy on me, didn't she? Using your beauty to bewitch and punish me."
Leanne's heart fluttered wildly, her mind reeling as his kisses softened. "Not at all."
"Then how come I'm so seduced by you?"
"That's on you, you flirt," Leanne retorted, her cheeks burning even in the dark.
Footsteps clattered up the staircase, and Joy's voice echoed. "Leanne? Where did you wander off to? Mary's looking for you!"
A servant interrupted, "Mr. Curtis took her upstairs a moment ago, but I didn't see where they went..."
Selina called out, "Leanne, Leanne!"
Suddenly feeling guilty, Leanne pushed against Curtis' chest.
She hadn't spoken much to Mary nor greeted Jennifer since arriving, having been whisked away by him for a secretive kiss.
How would this look to others?
"We should go downstairs. Mary might start worrying."
As she reached for the door, Curtis' voice floated teasingly, "Go ahead. Let everyone know the beloved grandson and his dear adopted sister are getting cozy in a room. Let's make the Richardson family the talk of the town, front page news tomorrow."
"Adopted sister?" Leanne was confused.
Curtis paused, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "Didn't Grandma tell you?"
Leanne looked more bewildered. "Tell me what?"
After a brief silence, Curtis' lips curved slightly. "That cunning lady is at it again."