Chapter 332: As Kellan rose from his seat, his movements appeared deceptively casual, as though he were simply wiping away the condensation from the table.
But in reality, he held Allisons wrist from above, his whisper brushing against her ear like the murmur of an intimate lover.
Three hours ago, the water in the tub overflowed just like this, he murmured.
His voice, deep and magnetic, carried a calmness that masked something far more dangerous beneath the surface.
Didnt it? he added, wiping her fingertips slowly.
The handkerchief he used quickly absorbed the crystal-clear droplets clinging to her skin.
Allisons fingers were cool and damp, and her pulse quickened under his touch.
His voice softened further, and the warmth of his breath against her ear sent a shiver down her spine.
There was something about hima perfect contradiction between his aloof demeanor and the seductive power he exuded, like a rogue scholar.
He raised her fingers to his lips.
Ms.
Clarke, when you stepped out of the bathroom earlier, drenched like that, it was quite a sight.
Her heart pounded, the sound almost deafening in her ears.
Not far away, under the soft glow of the lights, Ferdinand lingered, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air. He could approach at any moment.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhat had begun as a tease now danced on the edge of something much more incendiary.
Allison tried to pull away, her voice strained.
I... forget it.
But Kellan leaned in, capturing her fingertips with a kiss.
This kiss was different from the restrained brush of lips on her skin before.
This time, she felt his lips engulfing her fingers, the warmth of his tongue tracing a slow path against her skin.
There was a brief sting, followed by a slick, tingling sensation.
Thats alright.
You can remember it now, he whispered, his voice low and intimate, meant for her ears alone.
Even as his lips moved over her fingertips, a blush crept across Kellans usually composed features.
Allisons legs threatened to give out beneath her.
The rough texture of his tongue sliding over her skin, sticky and warm, conjured images of him in the bathroom, his head buried against her chest.
Their breaths mingled, the air around them thick with forbidden desire.
He licked away the remnants of tea from her fingertips, leaving no trace behind.
In the shadowy light, their actions flirted with the edges of propriety, as if they were courting disaster.
And then, Ferdinand approached, holding a box of tea with a beaming smile, unaware of the charged undercurrent between them.
Kellan, Ive done quite a bit for you and Ms.
Clarke.
How about givinghalf of this box of tea? Ferdinands voice was light, but there was a playful hint in his tone. If you agree, I can set up more opportunities like this for you in the future.
Ferdinands love of tea was well known, but his suggestion held more than one meaningit was an unspoken offer to aid Kellan and Allison in more clandestine encounters.
The happiness of a good friend was something he valued.
For instance, the ball is just about to kick off.
If you two have any needs, feel free to approach me.
Ferdinand had a genuine fondness for sipping tea.
This suggestion, however, was more than a casual offer; it was a subtle schto pair Kellan and Allison together, for the joy of a good friend held significant weight.
He then leaned into sreverse psychology, saying, Of course, if you find yourself as uninterested in balls as ever, I can always go tell... But before he could finish his thought, he was cut off.
Ms.
Clarke and I will indeed be attending the ball.
Kellan was seated on the sandalwood chair, his demeanor unruffled as he looked up, masking any turbulence from the moments before.
He had discreetly tucked away the tea-stained handkerchief, and everything seemed to have returned to normal. After all, the slots were booked well in advance, and it would be a hassle to ask the organizer for any changes now.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThis explanation was clearly directed at Allison.
Ferdinand, knowing more than he let on, replied, Alright, III take that as a yes.
Plus, there will be plenty of business magnates at this ball eager to discuss partnerships.
You and Ms.
Clarke should seize this chance.
As he spoke, Ferdinand suddenly seemed to notice something and fixed his gaze on Kellan.
Your lip is split, and it still glistens with tea.
In Ferdinands recollection, his friend had always prided himself on maintaining a polished appearance.
Frowning slightly, he appeared genuinely puzzled.
This isnt like you at all.
Kellan merely hummed in reply, his expression calm.
I accidentally scalded myself while enjoying my tea.
As Kellan lowered his gaze, a hint of superiority flashed across his fade before he raised a hand to dab at his En lips with the handkerchief. Casual yet slightly disheveled.
Allison chose to remain silent.
How could she possibly overlook that handkerchief? It was as if they were sharing an unspoken kiss, and the image of Kellans slender lips gliding against her fingertips flashed vividly in her mind once again.
She suddenly realized that a man who savors the essence of life is much like a raging fire, igniting with E just the slightest brush of contact.