Chapter 339
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Chapter 339:
Justin raised a hand, signaling his guards to close the doors. He walked directly to Carmen’s side, placed a warm, unhurried hand on her bare shoulder, and leaned down to press a soft, lingering kiss to her cheek.
“I am so sorry I am late, darling,” Justin murmured, his voice rich with practiced apology. “The Congressional hearing ran long p>
Carmen’s entire body went rigid. The warmth of his lips burned against her skin. She forced a smile and looked at her stunned parents.
“Mom, Dad. This is my boyfriend, Justin p>
Mrs. Golden’s mouth opened and closed. The cruel, dismissive attitude vanished instantly, replaced by a sickeningly sweet, fawning smile.
“Senator Collins!” Mrs. Golden gasped. “It is an absolute honor p>
Dinner began. Justin delivered a masterclass in psychological manipulation — charming, articulate, and utterly in command. He systematically dismantled the Goldens’ arrogance with polite, devastatingly precise conversation.
Beneath the table, hidden by the long white tablecloth, his large hand slid over Carmen’s knee.
Carmen inhaled sharply. She tried to pull her leg away. His hand moved up instead, finding her cold, trembling hand resting in her lap. He intertwined his long fingers with hers and locked them together. His thumb traced slow, rhythmic circles against the sensitive skin of her knuckles.
𝖮r𝘨𝖺𝗻𝗂𝘻e yo𝘶𝗋 𝗹i𝗯𝘳𝖺r𝗒 on
The contrast was maddening. Above the table, he was discussing foreign policy with effortless authority. Below it, he was claiming absolute physical ownership of her.
Mr. Golden cleared his throat.
“Senator,” he ventured carefully. “What are your long-term intentions with our daughter? We value family alliances p>
Justin set his silver fork down with quiet deliberation. He turned his head and looked directly at Carmen. His eyes were dark, unwavering, and entirely serious.
“My intentions are very simple,” Justin said, his voice carrying the full weight of a man accustomed to being obeyed. “Carmen is the woman I am going to marry. I will not accept any interference in our future p>
The words landed in the room like a detonation.
Mrs. Golden looked as though she might faint from pure joy.
Carmen felt her heart slam against her ribs. She stared at Justin in barely concealed panic. He was taking the script far beyond what they had agreed.
The dinner finally ended. The Goldens departed practically bowing, Justin’s armored SUV waiting to carry them back to their hotel at his insistence. He walked Carmen to her car himself.
They stood alone in the dimly lit, luxurious hallway of the restaurant.
Carmen let out a long breath and pulled her hand from his grip.
“Your acting is terrifying,” she said, attempting a light laugh to dispel the tension coiled in her chest. “You deserve an Oscar for that future wife line p>
Justin did not laugh.
He took one step forward, crowding her gently against the wall, his broad chest nearly touching hers. He looked down at her, his gaze stripping away every defense she had.
“I am a politician, Carmen,” Justin said, his voice dropping to a dark, gravelly murmur. “I lie to the public every day. But I never lie about the woman I want p>
Carmen’s breath hitched. A dangerous thrill shot straight through her.