All Chapters of Tastes Like Damn Chocolate : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Chapter 22Tiana stood frozen, the weight of Ryan's request settling over her like a heavy blanket.Ryan continued, his voice gentle. "I… I know you're chief secretary, and I also know you probably don't have a date."Tiana let out an uncomfortable laugh. Where was he going with this?"I also know you're practically almost unmarried," Ryan said carefully. "And your prospective ex-husband is going to be at the gala tomorrow. With his mistress."Tiana's expression shifted at those words."I don't want you looking all sad and lonely that day," Ryan continued. "So… it's my offer. Besides…" He paused, his voice dropping lower. "I'm the reason you're in this bad marriage in the first place.""Stop saying that." Tiana's voice was firm. "None of it is your fault." She took a breath, considering his offer. "And yes. I think I would love to be your date for the event." She managed a small smile. "For old times' sake. You would have been my date for the graduation party if things had gone differ

Chapter 24Ryan pulled up to Lyn's apartment building right on time. The black car gleamed under the streetlights, expensive and elegant, the kind of vehicle that turned heads even in a wealthy neighborhood.Lyn had insisted on staying behind. "I'm not about to third-wheel you two," she'd said with a knowing grin. "I'll drive myself to the gala. You two need your moment."Now, as Tiana stepped out of the building, her heart hammered in her chest. The deep blue dress flowed around her legs like water, the fabric catching the light with every step. The sapphire necklace Ryan had given her sparkled at her throat, and her hair which was styled perfectly by Lyn cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves.Ryan stood beside the car, one hand in his pocket, looking devastatingly handsome in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. The black jacket fit him like it had been made specifically for his frame, which it probably had. His bow tie was crisp, his shirt brilliant white, and his dark hair was styled

Chapter 26The lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight illuminated the stage at the front of the ballroom. The orchestra quieted and the lazy dancers,, including Ryan and Tiana retired, and a hush fell over the crowd."Ladies and gentlemen," a voice announced over the speakers, "please welcome the CEO of Lancaster Group, Mr. Ryan Lancaster."Applause erupted as Ryan made his way to the stage, moving with the easy confidence of someone who'd given a hundred speeches before. Tiana watched from their table, her hands folded in her lap, suddenly nervous for him even though she knew he'd be perfect.Ryan took the microphone, his smile warm as he looked out over the assembled guests. "Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate Lancaster Group's 25th anniversary."More applause."Twenty-five years ago, my father had a vision," Ryan continued, his voice carrying easily through the hall. "He wanted to create something that would bring joy to people's lives. Somet

Chapter 28 Ryan appeared beside Tiana just as she stepped back into the ballroom, his expression concerned. He glanced past her toward the hallway, his eyes landing on Nikolai who still stood there, frozen. "Did he say anything hurtful to you?" Ryan asked quietly, his hand finding hers. "Nothing serious," Tiana said, though her voice was tighter than she intended. Ryan studied her face for a moment, clearly unconvinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he squeezed her hand gently. "Come on. Let's get back." Tiana took his hand and let him lead her back to their table. She sat down, her body still humming with residual anger and adrenaline. Lyn leaned over immediately. "What happened? I saw you leave and then Nikolai followed—" "It's fine," Tiana said quickly. "Just Pascal being clingy. Nothing important." But Lyn's eyes narrowed. She glanced across the room toward where Nikolai and Indy had returned to their seats. "He keeps glaring over here," she whispered. "Like, constantly. It

Chapter 30 Tiana didn't pull away, kissing him with the same urgency he kissed her because this had to be a dream. It was the only explanation that made sense. She was already in bed somewhere, passed out from too much wine, and her alcohol-addled brain was conjuring this impossible scenario. Why else would she be dreaming about Nikolai kissing her? There was absolutely no way he would actually do this. He hated her. He had a woman he loved…Indy. He'd even introduced Pascal to Indy, paraded her around like she mattered, like she was the future. That showed how much he revered Indy. So this couldn't be real. It was just a dream. Just a dream. But God, the kiss felt good. She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into it. His lips moved against hers with desperate hunger, and she kissed him back, her hands sliding up his chest to his shoulders. She felt his arms slowly embracing her, pressing her closer, then sliding lower to cup her ass. The other moved up to her face, his finge