Chapter 230

Howard's POV

I almost roughly pushed Annie down onto the bed, my desire-suppressed all day-finally erupting in this moment. Now it was my turn.

I leaned down to bite her lower lip, driven by a primal possessiveness.Annie let out a surprised whimper before responding with equal passion.her nails digging into my shoulders.leaving a burning sting.

"This time I won't let you take the lead." I whispered in her ear, my voice rough with desire. The sound coming from deep in my throat was almost foreign even to me.

Annie's eyes flickered with challenge. "Then prove it to me."

Those words were like a match to gunpowder, igniting the last remnant of my rationality. I yanked open her nightgown, buttons scattering with a distinct sound in the quiet room. Our lips crashed together, so intensely I could almost taste blood.

My kisses traveled down her neck, lingering at her collarbone. Her skin had an indescribable sweetness, like a perfectly ripe peach that begged to be bitten. My tongue traced the hollow of her collarbone,feeling her trembling transfer from her skin to my lips. My chest heaved with rapid breathing, each heartbeat pounding in my ears like a drum.

Her breathing grew increasingly urgent, her chest rising and falling dramatically. My palms covered herbreasts,feeling their softness and firmness. A primitive satisfaction rose from deep within me-at this moment, she belonged entirely to me, and I to her. Annie tilted her head back with a satisfied sigh, hands gripping the sheets, knuckles turning

white from the force.

Gone was any gentle exploration. My tongue slipped into her inner thighs.Annie impatiently shifted her body, clearly urging me further. Each movement inflamed my desire to the point of pain. But I decided to take my time, wanting her to experience something completely different from the afternoon.

This deliberate delay subjected me to exquisite torture-every muscle in my body tensed to its limit, sweat sliding down my spine. I clenched my jaw.forcing myself to maintain this slow rhythm, enjoying the challenge of self-control.

When I took her nipple in my mouth, she suddenly arched her back with an almost sobbing moan. My tongue circled that sensitive point,alternating between gentle and firm pressure, feeling it harden further in my mouth.

"Howard...please..."

Her plea filled me with intense satisfaction. This strong,independent woman was now vulnerable and wanting because of my touch. My fingers explored between her thighs, finding her already wet. An uncontrollable desire exploded within me.

She suddenly grabbed my wrist, then released it,as if wrestling with her last resistance. This contradiction made my blood race, the heat in my lower abdomen threatening to break all restraint.

I traced down her abdomen, my tongue lingering at her most sensitive spot. Annie's reaction was immediate-her thighs trembled violently, her feet arched, a moan escaping from deep in her throat. I could feel her abdominal muscles contracting in a rhythm that seemed synchronized with

my own heartbeat. I focused more intently on pleasuring her while feeling the ache of my own need, the desire for her nearly driving me mad.

"No.,, wait..." she suddenly pushed me away,her voice husky with desire and slight frustration, "not just me..."

Her hand moved downward to find my swollen manhood and gripped it without hesitation. I inhaled sharply as electricity shot from there to the top of my head, nearly blinding me. Her fingers moved skillfully,alternating between gentle and firm pressure, reducing my mind to a blank slate with only the most primitive instincts ddriving my body. I had to grab her wrist to stop her, or everything would end right then.

"Not enough..." Annie's voice carried unbearable longing, "I want you...now..."

I entered her suddenly. In that moment, all my senses were magnified-the tight heat of her nearly melted me, that enveloping sensation making my blood boil from my tailbone to the crown of my head. My mind went blank, consumed by the feeling of our connection, so intense I could barely breathe.

I forced myself to maintain the last shred of clarity. She opened her wet eyes,pupils dilated with desíre, that undisguised want nearly causing me to lose control completely.

I gripped her waist firmly, withdrawing almost completely before thrusting back in, keeping her locked in my rhythm. With each thrust, I felt my heart rate accelerate, blood coursing through my veins, every muscle stretched to its limit. The headboard hitting the wall mixed with our panting, creating the most primal symphony. Annie's moans became incoherent, her legs wrapped tightly around my waist like a drowning person clutching the last straw.

Sweat dripped from my forehead onto her chest. I could feel my heartbeat transferring to her through my chest, and hers responding in kind. This resonance gave me unprecedented satisfaction.

I lifted Annie so she straddled me, allowing me to penetrate deeper. Her nails left burning traces on my back, the mixture of pain and pleasure exciting me further. Our bodies pressed tightly together, sweat mingling.breaths intertwining.

She began to move on her own, initially slow and exploratory,then increasingly faster. My hands rested on her waist but didn't lead, letting her control the pace.

"I'm going to... I..." Annie's voice suddenly pitched higher, her body tensing sharply. I could feel her inner walls contracting violently, the sensation like being gripped by an invisible hand, each pulse bringing me closer to the edge. The pleasure was so intense I nearly lost consciousness.

"Together," I growled in her ear, hands firmly gripping her buttocks as I thrust upward. The climax hit with such force, like being swallowed by a tidal wave or falling from an immense height. Every muscle in my body tensed to its limit, each nerve ending burning, a blur of white light appearing at the edge of my vision. In that moment, time,space,identity,status-everything ceased to exist, leaving only our intertwined bodies and souls.

We collapsed onto the bed, maintaining our connection, Annie lying on my chest. I could feel her heartbeat gradually steadying. My fingers gently combed through her disheveled hair as I enjoyed this incomparable intimacy. My body still trembled slightly in the afterglow,a deep satisfaction rising from within.

"I've only recently discovered..." Annie began, her voice lazy and content,"

that you and the Howard Thompson the public sees are completely different people."

I chuckled softly. "Only you get to see this side." This wasn't flattery but truth. Before her. I had never shown my true self to anyone.

Annie looked up, tracing my features with her fingertip. "So I'm special?"Her tone was half-joking, half-serious.

"You know the answer." I kissed her forehead, holding her tighter.

We lay quietly embracing, enjoying each other's warmth and presence.I could feel her breathing becoming steady, suggesting she was falling asleep.But I had never been more awake-I realized this woman had unknowingly occupied the most important place in my life.

The phone's ring suddenly shattered our tranquility. I glanced at the caller ID.my brow furrowing slightly.

"Who is it?" Annie asked softly, her fingers drawing small circles on my chest.

"Philip." I answered, my voice immediately cooling.

Annie's body visibly tensed. "What does he want at this hour?" She sat up.pulling the silk sheet to her chest.

I answered the call. "What's the matter at this time of night?" My tone was calm and controlled, carrying the composure I'd cultivated through years in business.

Philip's voice came through the speaker, surprisingly calm: "Could you please put Annie on the phone? I need to talk to her about Brian."

I turned to Annie, silently asking for her opinion. I wanted to protect her.but also respected her enough to make her own decisions.

Annie took a deep breath and nodded slightly. I handed her the phone.my fingers briefly touching hers during the exchange, silently conveying my support.

"What is it? Speak directly." Annie's tone was neither warm nor cold,but guarded.

"Annie, do you know what Brian did today?" Philip's tone suddenly sharpened, containing suppressed anger.

"No. I don't." Annie replied coldly, fingers gripping the sheet tightly.

"You'd better check online first." Philip was practically gritting his teeth."Later,I'll bring Brian to the Thompson house. You should understand the facts before attempting to administer justice."

Annie couldn't even refuse before Philip hung up. The room fell silent again, with only Manhattan's lights flickering outside the window.

She returned the phone to me, brows furrowed. "He's always like this, so presumptuous."

"You don't want to get involved in their conflict,do you?" I asked,trying to understand her feelings.

Annie nodded, her long hair swaying gently on her shoulders. "I'm tired of Philip. Even after the divorce, he won't leave me alone..."

I held Annie's hand, hoping my touch could provide some comfort."Don't worry,I'm here."

Annie leaned against my chest, inhaling deeply. "Then I'll trouble you with this."

"It's no trouble," I said gently. my fingers running through her hair."Your matters are my matters."

I meant every word. With Annie, I'd found something I hadn't known I was missing. Her concerns were mine now, her battles were mine to fight.This wasn't obligation-it was choice.