Page 174 of Cruel Devotion

She pursed her lips together.

“I had a lot of time to think too.” My heart ached. “I realized that life was too short to hold back on love and passion. Even if I feel guilty about it. Even if. . .I’m scared.”

She moved her view to the ground, telling me that I wasn’t the only person scared between us.

“It’s time for me to start taking big leaps of faith when it comes to us and embrace the unknown.”

She trembled against me.

I could feel her heartbeat quickening, synchronized with mine, as the weight of my words settled between us.

“In fact, forget about leaping.” I raised my hand, gently touched her chin, and lifted her view back to me. “I’m going todiveinto the depths of love with you.”

A mixture of longing and vulnerability flickered in her gaze. She searched my eyes as if trying to decipher the truth behind my words.

I’m in this for the win. She’ll just have to understand.

My desire for her burned like a wildfire, and I couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Are you okay with that, Monique.” I leaned forward, and in one swift movement, our lips collided in a passionate kiss.

Her mouth was soft against mine, and that tongue so sweet.

Yet, I could taste her surrender too.

I groaned.

Her hands found their way to my hair, tugging at the strands with a desperate need that mirrored my own. I reveled in the sensation of her touch, the way she traced invisible patterns on my skin as if memorizing every inch of me.

Groaning, I pulled back. “We should stop now. I’m close to fast forwarding to the other parts of our date.”

“What other parts?”

I licked my lips and chuckled. “It’s all a surprise.”

Chapter twenty-seven

The First Surprise

Lei

We continued with the special tour but I quickly moved us through the palace eager to get her to my other surprises.

I showed her the ballroom with its opulent chandeliers, polished dance floor, and the sweeping views of the gardens outside.

There was also the massive dining hall—high vaulted ceilings and gold accents.

Next, I led her to the library. It was a haven for any lover of books. Towering shelves lined the walls and was stuffed with modern works. The scent of old paper and leather filled the air. In the center, a giant-sized globe stood.

Our tour then took us to the conservatory, a glass-domed oasis brimming with exotic plants and flowers from around the world.Sunlight filtered through the glass. The air was moist and warm, filled with the fragrances of jasmine and orchids.

There, I kissed her again on the stone path and was close to tearing that dress off.

Finally, I can take her to the first surprise.

I guided Monique towards the grand elevator, its doors intricately designed with motifs of bamboo and chrysanthemums.

“Lei, I can’t believe how huge this place is. If I lived here, I would need a map.”

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