Chapter 4: Having My Name On Her Lips Drove Me Crazier

Daniel’s POV

Just as I had ordered Lady Jane, my house staff. The meals, the drinks, the decor, everything was perfectly placed in order.

“Leo… I just sent you an address. Go and pick up the lady and bring her here. She will be waiting,” I commanded Leo through my phone.

I dropped my phone, and the reflection of how I met Annabel crept into my mind.

How she bumped into me that night. Her swollen face from the tears she was holding back, her shattered voice, and how she kissed me back just to make Stephanie jealous. Her excellent presentation, her fierce look, and the urge to always challenge me.

I have lived all my life not wanting anything to do with any woman. Not after how my father abused and neglected my mother. The pain of seeing my mother struggle to give me a better life only made me believe that the best solution is to stay away from marriage.

I declined attending her wedding because I knew it was not going to end well. Marriage is pointless. Because what is the need to officially join a union?

I did my investigation, and it was clear the man my mother got married to was only in her life because of my money and our family status in society.

He owes a huge loan. For all I care, that marriage is nothing but a simple business transaction. But what I don’t get is, what will my mother gain from it?

Could she really be in love with that man?

And the only reason why I had Stephanie beside me was to use her as a distraction for my mother, since she can’t stop singing into my ear about why I should marry and give her grandchildren.

I picked Stephanie because my PA brought her. She said she would fit into this act. Well, she has been doing a good job.

But the latest obsession is what I don’t get.

That night, I had gone to the club to have fun when I saw Annabel run out from the room. Just then, I sighted Stephanie’s bare skin, half covered with just a duvet, and a man sitting beside her.

She felt guilty. But seriously, I don’t even give a fuck.

It is just an open relationship. A contract.

Do you, while I do me. Just don’t get caught by my mother. Simple.

I was still in deep thought when the entrance door opened and Leo entered. Beside him was Annabel.

Standing pretty just like the first night I saw her, but the difference now, she wore a sincere smile, unlike her swollen face with tears battling to fall that night.

My eyes were still locked on Annabel. “Leo, you can leave us.”

Leo responded and left immediately, leaving just Annabel and me alone.

Everywhere felt quiet, just the pound of our hearts and the ticking of the clock.

I moved closer to her. “You made it.” Our eyes were not leaving each other.

She nodded.

“Well, the table is set.” I pointed at the table, leading the way while she walked behind me.

After dinner, Lady Jane had cleared the dishes. “The meal was nice,” Annabel broke the silence.

I looked at her. “I’m glad that you loved it.”

We burst out in laughter, one conversation leading to another. At this moment, we were very comfortable around each other.

Just again, we went silent. “Mr. Stroke, what next?” she asked, her face looking at every other place but me.

I leaned forward. “So what… do you think two mature people do behind closed doors?” My voice was clearly sultry.

She did not speak, nor did she look at me. But I could see her cheeks turn pink from blushing. I cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look at me, which she did. We stared at each other for a long moment, our faces inches apart. My lips hovered around hers. Our hearts raced in a fascinating way.

We got too close, and I wrapped my mouth with hers, holding her neck to steady her. Our tongues tangled as we swallowed everything we gave each other. She was getting heated up.

And God, I wanted to take her here. Right now. But I felt guilty. It felt like I was trying to take advantage of her by promising to fund her project.

I mean, her app is very good. And there is no doubt that she is among the top competitors. Clearly, from the record so far, she had already been selected by the board members. All they needed now was just my approval before emailing her.

So using her would make her feel like she was selected because she slept with me.

Just then, I broke the kiss and pulled away.

Her expression changed. It was clear she wanted me as much as I wanted her. But I didn’t know on what ground.

Is it for my money?

Is it because of my status? Or was she actually doing it just to get her app picked?

Could she be doing it to get back at Stephanie?

Just then, she broke into my thought. “Daniel, what’s with the change of mind?”

I caressed her hand with the thumb of my fingers as I fought to stabilize my urge to bend her over right here and make her scream my name, begging for more. “Annie… the truth is that I only invited you over because I was lonely.” I lied through my teeth.

Disappointed, she said, “Ohh… fine. Mr. Stroke, I’m sorry if I crossed my limit. I promise I will not interfere in your business or make our small friendship come in between our work relationship if I eventually get lucky to be picked.”

I picked up her hands. “Annabel, just be yourself around me. That’s all I need.” My eyes wandered around the room. “And I don’t get intimate with my employees, so you have nothing to worry about.”

After that, we left the dining room and went to the living room. I popped the champagne as we began to drink.

We continued laughing and making all sorts of jokes before we realized how wasted we were. I was already close to Annabel.

Our eyes searched for each other. I leaned close to her. “Annie… I can’t hold it anymore.”

She whispered, “Me either.”

With no delay, our mouths locked together, engaged in a deep, passionate, and raw kiss.

I lifted her like she weighed nothing and carried her to my room, our mouths not separating from each other. I kept planting kisses on her mouth, nose, ear, and then neck. And that was when it struck me.

Her scent. She smelled like strawberries mixed with vanilla ice cream. It was irresistible. A scent that I would wish to have beside me every day.

Annabel’s legs were wrapped around my waist, not letting me pull out. She threw her head backwards as I kept kissing her.

My hand went down to her dress, pulling it up as I cupped her breast, squeezing it like my whole world revolved around them.

A soft moan escaped her mouth. “Mr. Stroke, take me,” she pleaded.

Just her sultry voice drove me crazy, and a growl escaped my chest.

I pulled down her lacy panties and found her already dripping wet. The sight left me dilated. I pressed my fingers inside and gave her a thrust. She responded by widening her legs to let me in.

Then I thrust again, and again, repeatedly, until she was screaming my name. “Dan… Dan. Please. Take me, I’m all yours.”

Having my name on her lips drove me crazier. I pulled off my shirt and was about to unzip my pants when she dozed off, probably from the alcohol I gave her.

That was when realization hit me harder.

Fuck.

What was I doing? She was acting under the influence of alcohol. And I was about to take advantage of that?

I couldn’t even control myself.