Chapter 1221
Chapter 1221:
The space between them vanished. Their breaths tangled, their heartbeats racing in uneven sync, until Annabel’s thoughts turned hazy.
This time, Rupert’s kiss wasn’t demanding. It was careful—almost reverent—like he wanted to hold her there forever.
As the tension thickened, Annabel leaned back against the wall, her palms resting on his chest, feeling the steady thud beneath her fingertips. Rupert’s hand at her waist slid upward, and the boldness in the gesture jolted her back to herself.
Startled, Annabel pushed him away.
Breathing hard, cheeks burning, she lifted a hand to keep distance between them. “Not now, Rupert. We can’t… not until we’re married p>
“Why not? We’re going to be engaged soon,” Rupert argued, reaching for her wrists as if to pull her close again.
“No. Stop, Rupert. I can’t,” Annabel said, struggling against him, panic and frustration tightening her voice.
Rupert’s eyes were dark, his control visibly strained. “I can’t hold back anymore,” he said, the words thick with restraint.
Annabel cupped his face with both hands, forcing him to meet her eyes. “Rupert, please. Can you hold back? Just for me p>
For a long second, he stayed frozen, breath harsh, as if fighting himself. Then his hands loosened. He released her wrists and stepped back, jaw clenched.
Annabel exhaled shakily, still trembling. “I want us to do this the right way,” she said, her voice gentler now. “Don’t make me feel like I have to defend myself from you p>
Rupert’s expression flickered—guilt cutting through the jealousy and heat. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his voice hoarse. “I just… I lost control p>
Annabel nodded, still flushed, and tugged his coat closer around herself. “I’m tired, Rupert p>
Rupert swallowed, then reached out more carefully, just brushing his fingers over her wet hair as if asking permission. When she didn’t pull away, he pressed a restrained kiss to her forehead.
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“Go shower,” he murmured. “I’ll wait outside p>
“Just a few more days, Rupert. All right p>
Rupert didn’t answer. He simply stared at Annabel, his eyes dark and unfocused, as if he were forcing himself to regain control.
“Rupert?” Annabel called softly, her voice gentle and sweet.
Rupert leaned down and lightly nipped at her fingertips, then turned and left the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.
Inside, he resigned himself to another cold shower—the only way he knew to calm the desire still surging through him.
Annabel arrived at the hotel right on time.
Herman emerged from the lobby, clearly having put effort into his appearance. A bright smile spread across his face the moment he saw her.
“Annabel, you’re as punctual as ever!” he exclaimed. “So, where are we going today p>
Annabel lowered the hand she’d been using to shield her eyes from the glare and smiled helplessly. Then she turned to Herman and said, “I’ll take you to the popular forest corridor around here. It’s a must-see—the scenery is breathtaking. And if you’d like, we can even take the cable car p>