Chapter 17

His voice was deep and smooth, sending a shiver down Aurora’s spine as her heartbeat stuttered.

“Lucas…” She blinked up at him, hooking her arms around his neck.

“I remember you promised me that if I wasn’t ready, we’d take things slow.”

That night in the attic, the atmosphere had been too perfect. She wasn’t able to refuse him. Lucas had coaxed her in a low voice, assuring her he would never push her into anything she didn’t want.

Now, he let out a soft chuckle. Tilting her chin up, his gaze remained cool and composed yet laced with undeniable temptation.

“So… you don’t want to?”

His breath, warm and teasing, brushed against her ear. A tingling sensation spread through her, making her shudder. It felt like a feather had swept across her heart. Heat curled through her body, something unfamiliar and impossible to ignore.

Grinding her teeth, Aurora thought, “So much for his aloof, unattainable act.” This man was a menace. After a brief pause, she tightened her arms around his neck, her voice low.

“Lucas Carter, you’re such a damn tease.” He let out a quiet laugh before his lips crashed down onto hers. She found herself pinned between him and the couch, completely trapped. And he knew exactly what he was doing. His kisses were slow and deliberate, his fingers lacing through hers as if to keep her from escaping–not that she wanted to. Aurora’s thoughts blurred as his warmth consumed her, leaving her breathless. Her body softened, the tension melting away. Just as she surrendered to the moment, a sudden, urgent ringtone shattered the silence.

The sudden ringtone jolted Aurora, snapping her out of her hazy thoughts. She glanced at the screen. It was Megan calling. She instinctively pushed against Lucas. But it was pointless. She was no match for his strength. His fingers traced a slow, deliberate path down her spine, venturing dangerously lower.

Just as he was about to move further, the relentless ringing cut through the air again. His eyes darkened, lips brushing against her ear as his voice dropped into a husky whisper.

“Ignore it.”

The ringtone persisted, each chime striking against Aurora’s fraying nerves. Lucas’ lips trailed down, pressing warm, lingering kisses against her collarbone, his breath grazing her skin, making her shudder. A sharp, tingling sensation shot through her as his lips brushed her earlobe, leaving her body even weaker. But then, she saw the caller ID and shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No… it’s Megan.” Lucas reached for the phone, ready to end the call. But Aurora beat him to it, quickly pressing the answer button.

“Hello?” Megan’s voice blasted through the speaker. “Babe! Why aren’t you replying? Wait, don’t tell me you’re busy analyzing my treasured video I sent you!” Aurora’s face instantly turned scarlet. She darted a glance at Lucas. Aurora looked up, only to find Lucas watching her with amused interest, a faint, knowing smile playing at his lips.

“I–I haven’t watched it yet,” she stammered.

“What? Why not? You have to watch it! Study it thoroughly!” Megan’s enthusiasm was unwavering. “Then go buy yourself some sexy lingerie and show off that amazing body of yours. Trust me, my cousin won’t be able to resist! He acts all cool and composed, but deep down, he’s a total closet perv–he’d love it!” Her voice was loud, animated, and completely oblivious to Aurora’s predicament.

Aurora’s face grew hotter by the second, her skin practically burning. On the other hand, Lucas chuckled softly, leaning in close to murmur against her ear, “So, Mrs. Carter, you like to play with a little spice?” Aurora bit down on her lip in frustration, wishing she could vanish into thin air. Meanwhile, Megan was still going on and on, eagerly sharing her…