Chapter 491

“Here? Right here? What kind of scandalous suggestion is that?” Shermaine instinctively glanced around the room. Cold machinery surrounded them, screens casting an eerie blue glow in the dim space.

Joshua’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his eyes darkened with unmistakable intent. Shermaine knew immediately that this shameless man wasn’t joking around.

His hands hadn’t even moved yet, but his gaze was already undressing her with predatory hunger–like a starving wolf ready to devour her completely, leaving nothing behind.

No matter how much she indulged this man’s whims, she absolutely couldn’t let him get away with this here.

His grip tightened around her waist as his breath fell against her neck, making her skin burn wherever it touched.

Shermaine braced her hands against the armrests, trying to push herself up and escape.

But Joshua’s other hand pressed firmly on her shoulder, forcing her back down into the chair. His lips curved into a knowing smile. “Sheary, why are you trying to run off when you should be sitting still like a good girl?”

“I didn’t agree with this,” Shermaine refused firmly.

“What’s wrong with here?” Joshua smiled as he leaned close to her ear, his lips barely grazing her skin. “I think it’s perfect. If Sheary wants to have her way with me, right here works just fine, hmm?” His hand found something beneath the chair, and suddenly it transformed, reclining into a lounge.

Shermaine went from sitting upright to lying back in one smooth motion.

Joshua followed, leaning over her. But Shermaine’s foot shot up to meet him.

Joshua caught Shermaine’s movement and shifted to the side, his hand closing around her slender ankle.

What followed was Shermaine’s fluid sequence of moves–within moments, she had Joshua pinned back against the chair, completely reversing their positions.

The scene reminded Joshua of their time in that village in Mysonna, when they’d shared a bed out of necessity. Shermaine had woken up, seen him there, and immediately started swinging at him without thinking.

Back then, they weren’t married, so he couldn’t take advantage of the situation. But now they were husband and wife–she was his woman, and there was nothing to hold back. He wrapped his arms around Shermaine’s waist and gently pulled her down, pressing her against his chest.

Her black dress spread around them like spilled ink as she sat straddling him.

Joshua’s voice was soft against her ear. “Sheary, right here… what do you say?”

A blush painted Shermaine’s cheeks, the black fabric making her skin look porcelain–white in contrast. “No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Sheary.” Joshua brushed his lips against hers, their foreheads touching.

Shermaine turned her face away.

“Honey.”

‘Don’t let him get to you,’ she told herself.

But his persistent attention was wearing down her resolve. Her lashes fluttered as warmth spread through her limbs beneath the dress. Her fingers clutched at Joshua’s shirt as she finally snapped, “Shut up.”

Joshua smiled and kissed her again.

Shermaine couldn’t stand the burning intensity in Joshua’s eyes any longer–she bit down hard on his lips, practically snarling.

Joshua knew she was softening toward him.

That was when the announcement crackled through the speakers.

“Attention all passengers and honored guests. The Noah Cruise Ship will dock at Baykeep at six AM. Please pack your belongings in advance, or if you prefer, you can call for robotic assistance.”

The crew’s reminder echoed throughout the ship as passengers erupted in cheers. They’d grown tired of the luxury cruise, despite it being like paradise. But Baykeep–that was paradise within paradise, a man’s ultimate playground.

More importantly, it would host the final round of the International Gambling Tournament. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation about whether Boa Hanks, Simon, or Barrett claimed the championship. They were crowd favorites.

The announcement crackled through the ship’s speakers, and in the cabin below, Shermaine’s eyelashes fluttered.

Joshua pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Sheary, don’t bite down so hard.”

The night had grown deeper, her black dress swaying softly around them.

After a long moment, Shermaine’s shoe dropped to the floor. Her feet were delicate and small, and as the chair slowly returned to its original position, she leaned back against it.

Her lips glistened like water catching light, her eyes were hazy and unfocused, and her breathing came in soft pants. She looked devastatingly beautiful.

Joshua smoothed down her dress and picked up the fallen shoe from the floor. Before slipping it back onto her foot, he bent down and placed a tender kiss on the arch.

Shermaine’s face flushed an even deeper shade of red. “What about your germaphobia, Joshua?”

“You smell sweet,” he murmured.

“Don’t even think about kissing me tonight unless you brush your teeth first.” Even though Joshua had only kissed her foot, Shermaine still wrinkled her nose in mock disgust.

Joshua chuckled as he gently slipped the shoe back onto her foot, promising he would.