Chapter 280
Compared to their previous domineering, confrontational kisses, this one felt like a wild, untamed whirlwind. Allison found herself momentarily dazed, caught off guard. She was always in control, but now she was on the receiving end of a kiss wielding power like a double-edged sword. Her back pressed firmly against the wall, making her feel trapped, as if the world outside had vanished. Despite the wall's chill, warmth seeped through her, igniting a fire within. Kellan's hand cradled the back of her head, the other supporting her waist, which slowly slid downward, as if gravity conspired against her. Their heated breaths mingled, creating an intoxicating atmosphere of shared desire. She felt the pressure of his legs against her knees, an unexpected point of leverage, creating a precarious balance between submission and defiance.
But she was no stranger to dominance; she refused to be subdued. Though the kiss was undeniably intoxicating, Allison bit his lip with fierce resolve. The metallic taste of blood flooded their mouths, a stark reminder of the moment's raw intensity.
"Kellan, have you lost your mind?" she exclaimed, bewildered by his sudden passion.
He let out a low, self-deprecating laugh. "Rather than being a madman, I'm more terrified of being pushed away by you."
He was the CEO of Charisma Company, the heir to the Lloyd Group—a man whose reputation loomed large in both the legitimate and underground worlds. Yet, in this moment, he stood at the mercy of Allison's judgment.
Allison was speechless. Kellan had overstepped, but she felt callous for even considering abandoning him in his vulnerability. This kiss marked a turning point. What had been playful sparring had transformed into something deeper—an unsettling complexity leaving them both uncertain.
Lifting her gaze, she replied icily, "I don't understand what you mean, Mr. Lloyd." If Kellan pursued this, she had tactics to make him regret it.
"Sorry…" His voice was hoarse, dripping with self-mockery. He slowly released her, the fiery hue in his eyes dimming, replaced by restraint and control. "Ms. Clarke, just entertain the thought that I might be crazy for a moment." His lips, still stained with blood, and the veins in his hand gave him an intimidating edge.
A flicker of fear darted through Allison. Even Kellan couldn't understand why, despite his disbelief in true love, he frequently lost control around her. The thought of being distanced from her was unbearable; they could hardly be considered friends anymore.
"I just want to know if you truly find me unapproachable," he said, wiping the blood from his lips. His expression shifted to one of longing. His usual restraint melted, making him incredibly alluring. His words carried weight, revealing his intentions.
Allison's brow furrowed. Unapproachable? The memory of their kiss, vivid and unforgettable, even blood-tainted, flashed through her mind. Truthfully, in bed, Kellan was more than wealthy; his stamina was impressive.
However, Allison had initially seen Kellan as a means to an end—someone to get closer to Lorna and Kinslee, to extract information. Logically, she should have felt satisfied; he'd taken the bait. But a tumult of emotions swirled within her.
"Not unapproachable," she finally replied honestly, "but that doesn't mean you can just do this…" Even after discovering his secret in that forbidden room, she'd never felt disgust; the contrast within him was enticing.
Offering him an out, she continued, "Let's pretend today never happened. We'll remain partners, and once Kinslee's Alzheimer's treatment is complete…" Kellan anticipated her next words: a farewell.
Ironically, he'd vowed never to fall for a woman, yet Allison was the exception. Perhaps their first meeting awakened a long-buried familiarity, suggesting destiny.
"Allison," he said her name, and for the first time, it felt like more than an address. Gravity seemed to pull her toward him. His tall figure, mostly swallowed by shadows, was framed by his softly tousled hair, stirred by a gentle breeze. In that silent space, their breaths and heartbeats intertwined, creating an almost tangible connection.
"I want to know how to pursue you."