Chapter 473
Chapter 473 Story Time
Anneliese’s voice was gentle, but a spark of curiosity lit every word.
“When did you start liking me p>
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Jonathan lowered his eyes. Her gaze shone with such hope that it cut into him. His throat worked as if the truth caught inside him.
He wanted to tell her everything. He had loved her for so long. So long that even she no longer remembered when it began.
The urge to speak grew stronger in the quiet of the snowy night. It begged to spill out of him.
“I His throat tightened again. His eyes grew shadowed, hiding what he could not say. His lips parted.
But her finger pressed against his mouth. “Forget it. You look like you’re trying to come up with a story. I hate lies. Don’t say anything p>
She turned her head. Her eyes followed the falling snow outside. She never noticed the way his face went still.
The smile that had clung to his lips slipped away.
His arms closed tighter around her, drawing her closer into his chest.
“You really hate lies p>
“Of course I do!” she said with sharp certainty. “Everyone does. Don’t talk to me
about white lies. A lie is still a lie. No matter how you dress it up p>
Her eyes turned cold. Her words came with the,weight of her past.
Her marriage had been nothing but betrayal. Zacharias and Selina had played her
for a fool, and every memory of it still burned.
Jonathan went quiet. His throat ached. Words stayed locked inside him.
“What are you thinking about p>
Her finger jabbed lightly against his chest. That small touch pulled his gaze back down to her. His lips curved faintly. His voice slipped out low and deep.
“Nothing. I just think a night like this, with the snow falling, is perfect for more than watching snow p>
Her lashes fluttered. Curiosity lit her face. “For what then p>
His lips twisted into a sly smile. He leaned close to her car. He whispered two words. Heat rushed into her face. Her cheeks burned red. She lifted her hand, ready to strike him with her small fist. But he was faster. His arms swept her up. He carried her inside in one smooth stride, the balcony door falling shut behind him. He moved with purpose, straight for the bed.
He had tasted her sweetness before, and it haunted him. Last night at Penelope’s, he had forced himself to
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Chapter 473 Story Time
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hold back.
But tonight, with her confession, her kisses, her tender touch, he could not restrain himself any longer.
Their mouths met before they even reached the bed. By the time they sank beneath the covers, the room was alive with heat.
Outside, snow kept falling. The wind threw flakes against the tall glass. Warmth inside clashed with the winter cold, and mist bloomed on the windows. Through the fog, only faint shadows moved, entwined and restless.
Later, Jonathan carried her to the bathroom. He cleaned her carefully and dressed her in soft sleepwear. By the time he brought her back, more than two hours had passed.
Mabel was gone, but she had left food warm in the kitchen.
Jonathan set Anneliese on the couch and smoothed her hair.
“Wait here p>
She rubbed her growling stomach and pouted. “This is your fault! Hurry up, I’m starving p>
His eyes shone with teasing light. He pinched her cheek.
“You hardly moved, yet you say you’re exhausted. I did all the work. How are you hungrier than me p>
Her cheeks flamed bright. She shot out her little foot and kicked him in the leg. “Shut up! Just go p>
He laughed and rolled his sleeves. He walked off toward the kitchen.
She watched his tall figure vanish. A smile curved her lips as she brushed back her long hair. She called
out.
“Meatloaf! Meatloaf, come here p>
Her voice rang out again and again. The room stayed silent. No steps. No tail.
Her brows furrowed. Her gaze drifted to the doghouse near the window. It was a broad wooden structure with a pointed roof. A little window let light in, and small doors swung for him to go in and out.
Usually, he bounded out the moment she called. The dog was smart enough to open and close the doors p>
Had Mabel taken him away?
Jonathan came back carrying two plates. But the couch was empty. He looked up
and saw her crouched by the doghouse.
He set the plates down and walked to her.
“I thought you were hungry p>
Anneliese spun
around. Her eyes widened, pleading as she looked up at him. “Honey, come quick. I think 3
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Chapter 473 Story Time
Meatloaf’s sick. She won’t move. I call her. I play with her, yet she doesn’t respond p>
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Jonathan crouched down beside her. Meatloaf lay curled inside, her back to them. Her head was buried in her paws.
Even when Anneliese reached out to stroke her, she didn’t stir.
Meatloaf was old now. Anneliese’s eyes showed her fear, heavy and raw.