Chapter 46

Adam's POV

I stared at the untouched whiskey in my glass, still calculating the auction numbers from tonight. Twenty billion in one night.Tomorrow's news would surely explode.

"Sir," Taylor cleared his throat, "Several Lancaster Group directors were at tonight's auction. They might have recognized you..."

A slight smile played at my lips. Let them wonder. These old men had grown too comfortable.

A knock interrupted Taylor's report. When the door opened, all my carefully constructed thoughts vanished.

Stella stood there in a deep red silk robe that made my throat tighten. Her hair was still damp from bathing, a few strands clinging to her neck. The robe had slipped slightly, revealing her delicate collarbone, and my gaze involuntarily followed a water droplet as it slid along that elegant line.

"I'll... report back later," Taylor said quietly, practically fleeing.Stella walked deliberately toward my desk. Each step made the silk ripple, and despite my efforts to maintain composure, my gaze was inexorably drawn. "Working so late?" her voice was honey-sweet,with a hint of teasing. She leaned against my desk, dangerously close. "The auction must have left you...exhausted?"

"Mrs. Lancaster." I forced my voice to remain steady, though heat was rising within me. "What brings you to my study so late?"

She leaned forward slightly, her post-bath fragrance wafting subtly - an expensive yet understated scent that made my pulse quicken involuntarily. "Can't a wife come see her husband?"

I stood, unconsciously moving behind her. Close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her body, yet not quite touching. "Of course she can," I murmured near her ear, "But we both know this isn't our reaI relationship, don't we?"

Her breath caught. I watched goosebumps rise on her neck as my breath stirred her hair. "This isn't..."

"Isn't what?" I let my fingertips ghost over her shoulder,feather-light. She trembled. "Choose your words carefully, Mrs.Lancaster." She turned to face me, the silk robe opening slightly. My wwatch fell to the carpet as I finally gave up pretending I could resist touching her.Every inch of her body seemed to be G od's finest work, perfect to the point of challenging one's senses and., my primal desires.

One hand settled on her waist, the other threading through her damp hair. When I pulled her close, she gasped, her hands climbing to my shoulders. The silk beneath my palms was maddeningly thin. Leaning in-

"Someone might see-" she protested weakly as I lifted her.

"Then let them," I growled against her neck, but still wrapped my suit jacket around her as I carried her to the bedroom.

Her nails dug into my shoulders through my shirt. Each small gasp, every tiny movement made it harder to maintain clear thought.

The master bedroom was lit only by city lights through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I set her down but kept one hand at her waist, unable to completely break contact.

My tall frame blocked the ceiling light.

What covered her changed from my jacket to my shadow.

"Nervous?" She propped herself up with one hand while theother hooked around my neck, kissing me. She said,"Who's nervous?" I froze for a moment, then counterattacked, blocking both her defiant lips and her retreat.

"I'm grateful for what you did for my grandmother,so I'll keep my end of our deal,I-"she said softly.

Ice flooded my veins. My hand left her waist as if burned."Deal." The word was ash in my mouth. She had come to him to fulfill their transaction. Nothing like what I had thought.

I turned sharply and walked to the bathroom, needing space to cool down before saying something irretrievable. The door closed wvith more force than necessary.

Her voice came through the door: "I'm sorry, I... give me some time,please? I just... just need to adjust."

The shower did nothing to cool the anger burning in my chest.I wasn't angry at her, but furious with myself. For thinking this could transcend the boundaries of a deal. For daring to hope she might want to give more.

She was here out of obligation. Because she felt she owed me for helping her grandmother. This realization stirred something dark and possessive in my gut. I had once negotiated billion-dollar deals without flinching.But this woman... she made me feel out of control. Made me want things I had no right to desire. The soft rustle of silk came through the door. She was still there.Waiting.

My hand tightened on the tiles. I could stay here until she left.Continue playing this careful game of distance and restraint.

Or, I could make her understand that we had long since moved beyond the realm of mere transaction.

The water stopped. I grabbed a towel, not bothering to dry completely. Water droplets ran down my chest as I opened the door.

Stella stood by the window, silk robe pooled at her feet. Her nightgown could barely be called coverage. Hearing the door,she turned, and I watched her eyes widen as they took in my bare torso.

"Mr. Lancaster,I-"

"Don't mention the deal again." I crossed to her in three strides,pinning her to the window. My hand threaded through her hair, tilting her face up."Tonight, either be my real wife,or leave.Choose."

Her pupils dilated, breathing quickened. "Your wife," she said softly."Say it again." I moved closer, trapping her between the cold glass and my body. The water on my chest soaked through her gossamer-thin nightgown. "I am your wife." Her voice trembled slightly, but her hands slid up my chest with newfound boldness.

The last thread of self-control shattered. I kissed her with bruising force, swallowing her gasp. Her nails scraped my shoulders, her body arching into mine, the silk of her nightgown creating maddening friction.

Stella's POV

Adam grasped my hips, laying me down on the bed.positioning himself between my legs. I could feel his erection pressing against me.

"Gently."

I tried to push him away, but his lips found my jawline, and my body responded to his kisses. It seemed I had fallen for him unwittingly.

Our breaths mingled as he planted a series of fervent kisses along my neck, causing my body to arch involuntarily.

"Don't resist me."

With that, he pulled down my panties, exposing my trembling chest.When I felt his teeth on my breast, I squirmed; though it stung.his tongue glided over the bite, soothing the pain. The intense pleasure nearly drove me mad.

But he merely pressed his hardness against my thigh, rubbing slowly without entering.

I writhed, looking at him with a mix of shyness and frustration.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

My cheeks flushed instantly.

"Please..."

"You're killing me," he whispered, attempting to enter until he succeeded. Then he pushed slowly, penetrating me with excruciating slowness. I felt a sharp pain.

He groaned, pushing deeper into me. I clung to his body,burying my head in his shoulder, my nails digging into his back. Each inch he advanced brought pain, and I moaned,stifling my screams against his neck. He groaned, delving deeper and deeper.

"So tight..." he gritted his teeth. "Are you okay?" He studied me, still inside, not moving. Of course, I wasn't okay. He was too thick. "It feels so good, so hot and tight." He exhaled, pushing in further,slowly but steadily, without stopping. He tried to kiss me while I suppressed a scream, tearing at his back with my nails. Damn! I opened my eyes. Too big. I thought,shifting my hips slightly, trying to adjust.

′′Ithink this is the limit... for now."

"Damn..."