Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 343: Allison had every intention of rattling Kellans calm facade.

We need to pick up the pace, she insisted, her voice cutting through the rhythm of the music.

Under the dim, flickering lights at the far edge of the dance floor, their movements felt awkward, as if the very air around them was pushing against them.

Her hand, once resting innocently on his shoulder, slid slowly down to the small of his back.

Mr.

Lloyd, youre falling behind, she teased, her tone daring.

In that moment, it was clear Allison was in charge.

Kellan leaned forward just as she looked up.

Their faces drew so close that her lips nearly grazed his chin.

There was a faint fragrance in the air between them, something like wildflowers mingling with gardenias.

Kellan caught a whiff of it, wondering if it was merely the scent of alcohol blending with the heady tension in the room.

The spot where Allison touched him stirred something in Kellan, a place where the slightest pressure sparked sensitivity.

He tightened his grip on her hand, his chest rising and falling more heavily as he tried to suppress the urge to draw in a sharp breath.

As the music swelled to its crescendo, the dancers around them began switching partners, a fleeting change in tempo.

Allison, there you are! Gordons voice cut through, his entrance as effortless as the beat of the music.

He glided toward them, his movements graceful, half of his face obscured by a black feathered mask.

His joy was palpable, evident in the sparkle of his bright, clear eyes.

It radiated a bold, exuberant energy.

But Kellan refused to let go of Allisons hand.

The sudden appearance of Gordon made both Kellan and Allison stiffen, their bodies going rigid for a fleeting moment.

That jolt sent a thrill surging through Kellans veins, pushing him closer to the edge of restraint.

Gordon, know your place, Kellan said coldly, his voice low and hoarse.

And youre too slow, he added, glancing around.

The partner switch is almost done.

By now, the dance floor was alive again, everyone seamlessly exchanging partners as the music continued. Before Gordon could offer a reply, the crowd swept him away, pulling him far from the two of them.

His words were left hanging in the air, incomplete.

With Gordon out of sight, Kellan held on to Allison, moving in sync with the beat.

He led her back to the shadowy perimeter of the dance floor.

The lighting was more unpredictable here, the dimness punctuated by erratic flashes.

Then Kellan leaned down and kissed her.

His hand, hot and firm, pressed against her, making it feel like there was no room to escape.

Kellan, Allison breathed, surprise mixing with a tinge of frustration at how easily he let go of his self-control. Have you lost your mind? There was something reckless about him tonight, and an unmistakable sense of danger in the air, something that clung to him like a second skin.

The kiss was fierce, a silent declaration that he had no intention of holding back.

It felt like he was claiming her space, leaving no inch untouched.

Allison tilted her head back, breaking free for a moment, then pushed gently against his chest.

If anyone caught a glimpse of them now, it would undoubtedly send ripples through the gossip mill.

She had no desire to becthe subject of scandalous whispers.

So, they pulled apart.

Yet, the remnants of the kiss lingered on her lips, like an imprint that refused to fade.

Allison, Kellan murmured her name.

His voice was thick and gravelly, as if the last notes of a song were hanging in the air, just before they vanished.

It was as though the music itself had carried his words away on a breeze.

Ill admit it, Ive lost, he confessed, his dark eyes burning with a new intensity.

Kellan blinked, his gaze smoldering.

What he once thought was self-restraint had crumbled into nothing more than a joke in Allisons presence.

Slowly, he loosened his grip on her hand, taking a small step back.

If you want to dance with Mr.

Herbert, he said, his voice tight with tension, theres still time.

He was offering her a choice.

This was the last thread of control he had left, dangling precariously before the point of no return.

He braced himself, knowing that as long as she didnt reject him om outrightwith even a glance or a En gesturehe wouldnt let her go. And then her response came, sharp and decisive.

Im your date tonight, Mr.

Lloyd, and thats not going to change.

Especially since Ive already received my payment.

With a sly grin, Allison reached out and gave him a quick pinch.

Just remember, you dont always get to push your luck.

This time, her fingers dug in with more force, leaving no doubt that her message was clear. The content is e on novelenglish.net! She didnt even need to look to know he would definitely have a bruise forming.

But Kellan only laughed, grabbing her hand and guiding it to the hard plane of his abdomen. If you like, he said, his voice deepening with a playful edge, you can pinchhere.

He was powerful.

His muscles felt like coiled steel beneath her touchsmooth and firm.

Allisons eyes locked with his.

She could see the wildness welling up in his deep, dark eyes.