Despite the lingering soreness from their previous night of passionate lovemaking, Emma's desire for Lucas burned fiercely within her. Despite the pain, she craved him once more, her arousal evident as she felt the soft wetness between her legs. Meeting his heated gaze with one of her own, she responded, "No, but I want you."Without hesitation, Lucas's lips found hers once again in a fiery kiss that left her gasping for breath. Dominating her mouth with his own, their tongues danced together in a passionate frenzy. His hand trailed from her neck to her perfectly formed buttocks, squeezing and gripping them firmly as he pulled her hips closer to his own, letting her feel the hardness of his erection.Trailing hot kisses from her mouth to her neck, Lucas continued down her body, kneeling before her. Placing sweet kisses along her lower waist, he then lifted Emma's legs up and rested them upon his shoulders. His mouth immediately found her pulsing center once again.Emma's legs trembled

In a fleeting moment, a flicker of hesitation nibbled at her determination, urging her to withdraw. But then a gentle tap on her shoulder jolted her out of her reverie. She spun around, her heart pounding, to face the individual responsible for bringing her to this place tonight.Emma's brow furrowed upon spotting Ethan Maddox, a small sickening smile on his face. Why was he present here? Was he the person behind those enigmatic letters and parcels?"Greetings, Mr. Maddox. I certainly didn't anticipate meeting you at this location," Emma greeted with a forced smile, her thoughts buzzing with queries."Quite the contrary, I was expecting to meet you here," Maddox retorted with a grin that triggered a moment of realization for Emma."You're the source of the mysterious note and package?" Emma blurted out, her surprise evident as she looked at him."Yes, but it seems you're not fond of following instructions," Maddox stated, his gaze assessing her chosen attire. Emma scanned the recept

She knocked softly, but there was no response. Gently pushing the door ajar, she found Lucas sat on his bed, his back turned to her. Clearing her throat, she summoned the courage to speak."I apologize for cancelling on you to dine with Ethan," Emma began, her voice overflowing with regret. When Lucas continued to remain silent, she pressed on, her words spilling out in a rush. "I was afraid I could lose my job if I didn't go."Lucas let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his emotions. "This is why I have refrained from pursuing romantic relationships, Emma," he admitted.Lucas released a soft exhale as he rose from the bed, standing in the center of the expansive bedroom, his gaze fixed on Emma as she approached him with gentleness. "Emma, I love you wholeheartedly. I don't want any games between us.""I'm not playing games with you, Lucas. I love you too," Emma protested, her heart aching at the pain evident in his voice. "I made a mistake, and I'm sorry. I

“Mr. Ethan does not like workers meddling with his files, and even I do not touch them,” Mrs. Higgins stated firmly, her gaze unwavering. “I would let this slide, but I will have to inform Mr. Ethan when he arrives,” she concluded, her tone leaving no room for argument.Emma's pulse quickened as she weighed her options. Admitting she had been doing something bad would only give Mrs. Higgins the upper hand and acknowledge her suspicion, and Emma couldn't afford to show weakness, especially with someone watching her every move. “No problem, I have nothing to hide,” she replied with forced confidence, flashing Mrs. Higgins a strained smile before exiting the room.As Emma stepped into the corridor, she felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. She wiped it away with a trembling hand, trying to quell the rising panic threatening to overwhelm her as she settled into her chair.Minutes stretched into eternity as Emma waited, her senses on high alert for any sign of Mrs. Higgins' return.

"It was a nightmare," Emma groaned, sparing the details and keeping things professional. Lucas laughed along with her here and there, understanding her struggle."Sounds like a crazy day," Lucas chuckled. He watched as Emma devoured her donut and ice cream, letting out a loud burp once she was finished. She couldn't help but blush a little at the embarrassment, but Lucas just laughed and drove them home.Upon entering the abode, Emma raised her brow and gazed at Lucas. "What about your mother?" she inquired."She has already departed. I dropped her off at the airport," Lucas replied with a tender grin. He understood that their relationship was still new for his mother to meddle in."I will shower in my room and then join you downstairs for dinner," Emma suggested as they ascended the stairs together. Yet, Lucas playfully shook his head and smiled."Come to my room when you are finished; we will dine there," Lucas suggested mischievously, wiggling his brow at her as she entered her roo