Romances de sue_1024

Adrian waited, his hand still at the back of Rosalie’s neck. Desire lingered in his reddened eyes, but his demand did not soften.She looked away.Marriage was impossible. She couldn’t stay long enough to give him the future he wanted, yet walking away empty-handed wasn’t an option either.If chasing him hadn’t worked, she would make him chase her.Rosalie glanced down at herself. Five years had softened the last traces of girlishness from her figure. The smoky-blue gown followed the curve of her breasts before drawing close around her narrow waist, while its parted skirt revealed one long leg. Her lipstick was half gone, leaving her mouth flushed and swollen from his kiss. A few curls had escaped her updo, lending her the lazy intimacy of a woman who had already spent the night in someone’s arms.Adrian used to lose control over far less.Her gaze dropped lower.He noticed and immediately adjusted his jacket, shifting so she could see nothing. Rosalie’s confidence took a small hit.F

The auction began shortly after the dance. Rosalie’s diamond rose brooch was saved for last. Under the spotlight, its layered petals scattered light across the stage, and the center stone drew a murmur from the room. Bidding passed one million dollars within minutes. Rosalie watched the number climb, pleased when it crossed her estimate, then stunned when the room finally quieted at $1.8 million. “Three million.” Rosalie turned. Adrian had already lowered his paddle, his expression as calm as if he had ordered another drink. The auctioneer brought down the gavel. Applause filled the ballroom, and the cameras returned to the head table, capturing Adrian’s blue tie beside Rosalie’s matching gown. He glanced at her. “What?” “Thank you for appreciating my work, Mr. Mercer.” “It’s decent.” Three million dollars for decent. Rosalie lifted her champagne to hide her smile. After the auction, she went to the second-floor lounge as instructed. Nearly twenty minutes passed before Adria

Applause rose around the ballroom. Rosalie looked at Adrian’s outstretched hand and, after a brief hesitation, placed hers in it. He led her onto the dance floor as the lights dimmed, leaving them beneath a single spotlight. The first notes began, and the smile on Rosalie’s lips faltered. It was the song they had chosen for their wedding. Back then, they had lived in an apartment near campus and hired an instructor to choreograph their first dance. Rosalie had stepped on Adrian’s shoes so often during the first few lessons that he threatened to make her practice barefoot. Eventually, she learned every signal in his hands. The smallest shift of pressure told her where he wanted her to turn. She had managed to stay composed when she saw his ring. The music proved harder. Memories she had buried for five years came rushing back, and for one dangerous moment, she forgot why she had returned. Adrian’s right hand settled at her waist while his left held hers. On the first beat

With only minutes left before dinner, Evan approached the emcee and quietly requested a change to the program. The emcee glanced toward the center of the head table. Adrian gave him a nod. A staff member soon appeared beside Rosalie. “Mira, Mr. Mercer would like you to join him at the head table.” Rosalie followed her gaze. Adrian had changed into a charcoal suit. The smoky-blue tie she had sent him was now knotted neatly at his throat, its silver-threaded rose catching beneath the chandeliers. Rosalie smiled as she stood. The tie had been her first test. She wanted to know whether, after five years, Adrian was still vulnerable to the same tricks. Apparently he was. At this rate, she might actually get him into bed tonight. The place to Adrian’s right had been reset for her. Rosalie gathered her skirt and sat down, the blue fabric brushing his trouser leg and carrying a trace of her perfume with it. Adrian continued listening to the guest on his other side. He didn’t look at

At three thirty that afternoon, the Regulatory Affairs meeting was still underway. “The Phase 3 clinical study report for JS-01 is complete,” the department head said. “The long-term follow-up data requested during our pre-NDA meeting will be filed by Friday. We’ve finished two internal reviews of the submission package, so we’ll be ready to file the New Drug Application next week.” He turned to the final page. “Manufacturing has also completed process validation. All three batches met specifications. From this point on, we’ll be preparing for the FDA’s pre-approval inspection and responding to any additional information requests.” Adrian read the report, then tapped one page with his finger. “Reconcile the serious adverse event data with the clinical sites one more time.” “I’ll have Clinical Development review it today. You’ll have the results tomorrow afternoon.” “Good. That’s all.” The department head gathered his files and left. Adrian had just reached for the coffee Evan h

Moonlight drifted through the bedroom, turning everything soft and silver. Adrian Mercer dreamed of Rosalie Hayes again. For five years, dreams had been the only place she agreed to stay. Her dark curls spilled across the pillow. When he bent to kiss her, she turned away at first. Two breaths later, she came back on her own, winding her arms around his neck. Adrian paused. “I thought you didn’t want me to kiss you.” Rosalie kept her eyes closed and tucked herself closer against him. She had always been like this. Fearless while arguing with him, then quick to hide in his arms once he pushed her too far. He laughed under his breath and kissed her again. Her hand tightened on his shoulder. The ring on her left hand brushed the back of his neck, cool against his heated skin. Moonlight caught on the narrow band. Their wedding ring. She had designed it herself. When she finally showed it to him, she had pretended his answer didn’t matter. Of course he had loved it. He loved ev