Chapter 414

Halley and Declan walked silently down the corridor until Halley broke the silence. "Declan, who was that woman? What did she do to bring you to the hotel room?"

Declan quickly withdrew from her touch. "I don't owe you any answers."

Undeterred, Halley placed her hand on his forehead. "Declan, you're burning up!"

Her touch sent a jolt through him. The scent of her proximity made his eyes flare. He quickly pulled his hand away, cutting her off sharply. "Don't touch me."

The harshness of his words stung. Hailey's eyes glistened with hurt. As a pampered young woman, she'd never encountered such coldness. Confusion and pain washed over her as she looked up at him, wondering if he truly disliked her. She hadn't done anything wrong.

For a moment, the sadness in her eyes seemed to affect Declan, but he remained silent, turning and walking away. Halley followed, unable to ignore the distance between them.

They stepped into the elevator, their silence heavy. Suddenly, the elevator lurched violently before plummeting. Hailey screamed, her body thrown forward. Before she could hit the walls, a hand shot out, catching her and pulling her into a strong embrace. Declan steadied her, holding her securely. "It's just a malfunction, don't worry."

As her fear subsided in his protective grip, a warm sensation spread through her chest. The thought that he didn't care for her faltered. He was looking out for her. She glanced up at him. "Declan, what's happening? You're burning up! Are you sick? Should we go to the hospital?"

Declan tightened his grip, his voice low and strained. "It's…"

"But you're burning up," Hailey insisted, her hand instinctively moving to his waist.

The moment their skin brushed, Declan's breath hitched, his body reacting sharply. He had never been in a relationship or intimate with a woman, but Adeline's earlier words about the body's desires echoed in his mind. Now, with the aphrodisiac coursing through his veins, those desires were impossible to ignore. He lowered his head and kissed her.

Hailey's eyes widened in shock. Was this really happening? He kissed her with an intensity that left her breathless, her legs buckling beneath her. Declan pulled away for a moment, steadying her against the wall.

"I–what…"

His breath fanned over her flushed skin. "I've been drugged," he murmured.

Halley, lost in his touch, wrapped her arms around his neck, rising on her toes to return the kiss. Despite their inexperience, their connection felt effortless, as if their past had already laid the foundation. They became entwined, like lovers. Declan gently guided them into the corner as he kissed her again, his hands slowly exploring her body. She buried her face against his chest, her voice barely a whisper. "Declan."