Chapter 497
Relief washed over Eric, a slow smile breaking across his lips. Nothing felt better than knowing she accepted this—accepted what he had done for her. With an easy grin, he opened his arms and gestured toward the room. “Want to give it a spin?”
“Why not?”
“I’ll put on some music for you.”
As the soothing melody filled the space, Hadley moved to the center of the room. She planted her feet firmly, her body instinctively falling into precision. With a practiced elegance, she stretched, her form taut yet effortless. She was slender but not fragile—her skin smooth, supple, with the perfect balance of strength and grace.
From where Eric stood, he could see the gentle upturn of her nose, the faintest shimmer of soft down on her cheeks under the glow of the lights.
That wild, untamed energy of youth and passion radiated from her, bold and reckless.
“Hadley.”
Her name left his lips in a hushed breath before he surged forward.
She barely had time to react before he caught her, pulling her securely into his arms. Before she could say anything, his lips found hers—deep, consuming, leaving no room for hesitation.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. In Eric’s dark gaze, Hadley saw it—the unmistakable pull of desire, deep and unwavering. His hand cupped her face, warm and slightly calloused, large enough to cover her delicate features entirely.
Hadley’s brows knit slightly, her full lips parting just enough, painted in a shade of red that made her look even more alluring.
A rush of heat surged through Eric, but he held himself steady, his voice low and coaxing. “Hadley… is this okay?”
Her long lashes fluttered as she lowered her gaze, a breath of hesitation before she finally nodded.
“Hmm.”
There was no more reason to hold back—no more space for doubt. He had been waiting for this moment forever. When a man wanted a woman, every fiber of his being demanded action. And right now, Eric wasn’t about to deny himself.
Without hesitation, he swept her into his arms, carrying her effortlessly out of the room. His strides were purposeful, his grip firm yet careful as he headed straight for the master bedroom.
The door swung open with a rough kick—yet when he set her down on the bed, it was with the utmost gentleness. He still remembered her resistance from before.
Carefully, he met her gaze, his voice quieter now. “If you’re scared… don’t force yourself.”
Hadley bit her lower lip, her fingers tightening slightly. Then, just as deliberately, she reached up, looping her arms around his neck.
An invitation. What man could resist that? Certainly not Eric.
He leaned in, the space between them vanishing. He could feel it—she was still slightly tense, but compared to before, she had softened, her body no longer stiff with hesitation.
“Is this okay?”
He wasn’t rushing—he would ask as many times as it took.
“Uh-huh.”
Only after receiving her consent did Eric dare to continue. He reached over and pulled open the drawer beside the bed.
Hadley’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “What are you doing?”
.