Chapter 321
“`
– For each row, replace every instance of “Chapter 321” with “Chapter N” (where N is that row’s chapter number). Do not alter any other text, HTML attributes, or formatting.
Chapter 321:
His dark eyes locked onto the slender figure at the stove. The warm yellow pendant lights cast a soft, almost angelic glow across Jocelyn’s profile as she used a pair of tongs to flip the heavy steak, completely absorbed in her task.
A violent ache ripped through the center of Gaston’s chest — a sensation so powerful it stole the air from his lungs. For a man who had grown up in the cold, transactional world of old money, this simple domestic scene was a devastating blow to his defenses. It looked like a real home. It looked like a real wife waiting for him.
He didn’t make a sound. He simply leaned his broad shoulder against the doorframe, his eyes turning dark and ravenous as he watched her.
Jocelyn turned around to reach for the salt shaker and gasped, startled by the massive figure standing silently in the shadows.
𝘛h𝖾 𝘣𝘦s𝘵 𝗋е𝗏i𝘦𝘄𝘴 𝘰n.сo𝗆
“Gaston!” She pressed a hand to her racing heart. “You walk like a ghost. I was just making a simple dinner. To say thank you p>
Gaston said nothing. He walked slowly into the kitchen, stopped at the marble island, and unclasped his Patek Philippe watch, tossing it carelessly onto the counter. He rolled his sleeves to the elbow, exposing his thick, corded forearms, then crossed the room and came to stand directly behind her.
Jocelyn’s breath hitched. The sheer physical mass of him enveloped her completely.
Gaston wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her back flush against his chest. He lowered his head and rested his chin heavily on her shoulder, staring at the sizzling meat in the pan.
“Compared to the steak,” Gaston murmured, his voice a low rasp pressed right against her ear, “I would much rather eat something else p>
The scent of cedar cologne and warm skin flooded her senses. Her hands began to tremble, the metal tongs rattling softly against the pan. Her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs.
“Go sit in the dining room,” Jocelyn managed, her voice breathless and unconvincing. She tried to push his arm away, but it was like pushing against a steel beam. “You are distracting me p>
Gaston let out a dark chuckle, turned his head, and bit down gently but firmly on her earlobe.
Jocelyn shivered.
He finally released her and walked to the dining room.
Half an hour later, they sat across from each other at the long dining table, lit only by two flickering candles and the glow of the city beyond the windows.
Gaston cut into the steak. The meat was slightly overcooked. He chewed it with absolute, devoted reverence.
“This is the best meal I have ever had,” Gaston said, his eyes fixed on hers with an intensity that felt like a physical touch.
Jocelyn’s skin burned. She reached quickly for her crystal glass and took a long sip of red wine to hide her reaction. The alcohol moved through her swiftly, painting her cheeks a soft, flushed pink and leaving her eyes faintly hazy.