Natalie was stunned, her mind momentarily blank as she tried to comprehend what was happening. His warm mouth sought hers, capturing her lips in deep, passionate kisses. Instead of resisting, she found herself melting into the heat of the kiss—so intense, so consuming.
The memories from that drugged night came crashing at her and she found herself responding to that kiss with her weak attempts that would let the person know she was truly not skilled in it. His body was so close that she could feel the heat radiating between them, his breath warm against her cold skin.
Justin slipped one hand beneath her jaw, angling her face to suit his desire. His gaze lingered on her flushed face, watching as her eyes fluttered closed, surrendering to him. His fingers pinched her chin gently, coaxing her mouth open, eager to seek out her tongue.
Without hesitation, he tasted her, his tongue twisting and turning against hers with practiced ease, stealing the breath from her lungs.
Soft moans escaped her throat, just like that night—sounds that pushed him further into madness. Releasing her hands, he wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. His other hand slid to the back of her head, his fingers entwined with her soft silky hair.
As if driven by instinct, her hands clutched at his shirt, fisting the fabric desperately, unknowingly drawing him even closer. The kiss deepened, transforming into something more—raw, primal, and overwhelming, leaving her breathless.
Their mouths moved feverishly, lost in the moment, lost in each other. The world around them faded into nothing, and all that remained was the searing heat of their connection—the way their lips met, parted, and sought each other again, as if they couldn’t bear to stop.
Every touch, every gasp, every shared breath was a silent confession, an unspoken promise neither was ready to break.
After a long time, when they stopped, Natalie felt as if she had been freed from suffocation. She gasped heavily, her legs going limp, unable to stand on her own. She rested her head against his shoulder, her hand still clutching his clothes.
Justin held her steady, his arms wrapped around her, panting heavily as he tried to suppress the wild desires that had ignited within him. With his chin resting over her head, he gave her a moment to catch her breath.
"Why... did... you..." she managed to ask, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
He didn’t move and answered calmly, "I told you there would be situations when we could kiss, and this seems to be one of them. The kind of situation—and the only way to calm my wife’s anger."
She wanted to say, I am not your wife yet, but she swallowed the words back.
Feeling her calm, he pulled back slightly and made her look up at him. "Are you calm, or do you want me to go on?" His fingers gently ran through her hair, tracing along her ear.
She turned her flushed face away. "It’s enough." She definitely didn’t want to die from suffocation.
He guided her gaze back to him, brushing his thumb gently over her red, swollen lips. "Did it hurt?"
She felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "I... I’m fine..."
A light smirk played on his lips, amused by how flushed she looked. "You’re getting better at it. Soon you’ll be just as skilled as me."
She swatted his hand away. "If you’re done, let me go."
"I didn’t stop you," Justin said with a teasing grin.
Natalie realized she was no longer trapped—she could have moved away anytime. "I’m going to make dinner," she mumbled.
Just as she turned to leave, Justin caught her hand, stopping her in place. She didn’t look back, waiting silently to hear why he held her back.
"Never fight with me over another man. It’s not something I appreciate," he declared. Though his voice was calm, it was clear he was not pleased.
"I just wanted to know if John is alright. I can’t forget that he helped me."
"John is not the only person who works for me—there are many. I can’t bend the rules for anyone, or nothing would function as it should. I can’t be lenient with one person while others receive punishment for their failures. John knows this well, and he willingly accepted his punishment."
"What did you do to him?" Natalie asked, still not turning to look at him.
"Just know that he won’t be working for me anymore," Justin replied and released her hand. "And I would prefer you to never ask me about him anymore."
Natalie didn’t linger or look back at him; instead, she walked to the kitchen silently.
Later, they had a quiet dinner. Natalie didn’t say much, and they only exchanged a few words throughout the meal.
"I have important work to do. I’ll be working late," Natalie informed him after they finished eating. "You can head to sleep."
Justin worked for a while as well before going to bed, while Natalie remained in the drawing room, focused on an interior project that was nearly complete.
She sent an email to the owner of the house—Mr. BusyBarron.
[The home is ready. I will visit it tomorrow for the last time to take a final look and will let you know when you can move in.]
Meanwhile, Justin, lying in bed, received the email. He glanced at it, closed it, and set his phone aside, his eyes falling shut.
Whether that home is ready or not, I’m staying here—with you. It’s more comfortable with you around. And if I do move there, you’re coming with me.
The next day, Justin left for work while Natalie asked Ryan to take her to the house she had been working on. When Ryan set the GPS, he noticed something. Isn’t this the new home Mr. Harper bought?
"Ms. Natalie, may I ask why we are going there?" Ryan asked as he drove.
Natalie’s car was still at the hotel from the other night, and she had forgotten to retrieve it.
"I’m handling the interior decoration of this home. He’s a VVIP client of the company I work with," she answered, her gaze fixed on the scenery outside the window.
Seems like Ms. Natalie has no idea it’s Mr. Harper’s home, Ryan thought to himself but remained silent.