billion book
Chapter 87
Chapter 87
Howard was the epitome of a man who, despite his aloof and unattainable demeanor, could speak with an undercurrent of sensuality that sent a flush to Gwendolyn’s cheeks.
She tried to feign indifference, her pretty face set in defiance. “Not true.”
“What about… trying mouth–to–mouth again? You can teach me this time,” he suggested, locking his gaze with hers.
“No way.” Gwendolyn shook her head.
Howard watched her in silence, his gaze making her feel uneasy.
“Mr. Chadwick, I’m going to freshen up and rest. Go to bed early,” she said, nearly fleeing the scene. But as she hopped down from the washbasin, Howard gripped her firmly.
She tumbled straight into his arms.
“It’s so unfair,” he said with amusement, his stern face inching closer. “You satisfy your cravings and don’t care about my feelings.”
“That’s not true.” Gwendolyn denied.
“Then I won’t hold back.” Without another word, he captured her swollen lips in a kiss that was all– consuming, leisurely, as if he had all the time in the world to unravel her.
Gwendolyn’s mind felt sluggish, intoxicated by the faint scent of his cologne and the subtle aroma of the whiskey on his breath.
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Eventually, Howard looked down at her, gently biting her lip. “Will my Dr. Gwen seek revenge? Will my drink tomorrow be spiked with something bitter?”
“I wouldn’t do that.” Gwendolyn assured him repeatedly.
Finally, Howard released her, and Gwendolyn’s legs nearly gave out as she touched down
to the floor.
“I’m going to my room,” she said lightly as she awkwardly escaped.
Howard let out a soft chuckle, cursing under his breath as he glanced down.
As husband and wife, they were like strangers. As partners in an agreement, they were far
from innocent.
Neither of them dared to break the ambiguous barrier between them.
Marina had prepared breakfast early the next day and called out as Gwendolyn descended the stairs. “Mrs. Chadwick, breakfast is ready.”
Okay Gwendolyn self–consciously adjusted the scarf wrapped around her neck.
It had been intense the night before. It was as if he was retaliating for the foolish thing she’d done before.
“It’s warming up outside. Why wrap up in a scarf?” Marina asked curiously.
“I feel a bit chilly.” Replying, Gwendolyn sat down at the breakfast table.
Howard still hadn’t come down. She started on her portion without looking up.
Knowing better, Marina teased, “Yrah, it must be quite the chill.”
Spring was giving way to summer, with temperatures that could have you wearing fur one moment and baring midriff the next.
After a few bites, Gwendolyn noticed the pile of parcels in the living room. “What’s with all these deliveries?”
“They’re from Mr. Chadwick’s classmates and friends. Our second branch may have fallen from grace, but we’re still part of the Chadwick family,” Marina explained while sorting through the packages.
She set aside those from unfamiliar senders.
The ones from close friends awaited Howard’s attention.
“Let me help you, Gwendolyn offered, quickly finishing her meal to assist Marina.
She picked up a beautifully wrapped parcel, thinking such attention to detail must mean it was sent with care.
She read the sender’s name aloud. “From… Selina Hamilton?”
Hamilton? She had indeed encountered quite a few with the Hamilton family lately.
At the mention of the name, Marina’s expression changed.
She snatched the parcel from Gwendolyn, rushed out the door, and tossed it into the outdoor trash bin.
After washing her hands upon returning, she told Gwendolyn, “Mrs. Chadwick, our family. doesn’t mesh well with the Hamilton family. We can’t keep their deliveries.”
“What if it’s something valuable? Shouldn’t we send it back the way it came?” Gwendolyn hesitated.
“No need. It’s nobody to bother with. Once it’s here, it’s mine to deal with.”
She wouldn’t even tell Howard.
“Oh,” Gwendolyn obediently replied.
Marina added a final word of advice.. “Don’t mention this to Mr. Chadwick. It’ll just upset