Chapter 37: Chapter 37: You Burned Me

Lila’s POV

“Oops, I’m running late!” She dodged adroitly, stuffing her phone into her pocket and grinning like the cat that got the cream. “I’m out of here. You two can take your time ’bonding’!”

With that, she was gone in a flash, leaving me standing at the door of the walk-in closet. I stared at the red dress shimmering softly under the light, and my heart inexplicably began to race.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled the Valentino slip dress from the bag. The scarlet silk satin seemed to flow under the light, its luster as rich and intense as blood, yet also soft. Just as Zoe had said, it was stunningly, dangerously beautiful.

Once I’d changed, I gently pushed open the master bedroom’s door to the terrace. Night had already fallen. On the terrace, Jasper was standing by the railing, taking a call. Moonlight outlined his tall, straight-backed figure, and the evening breeze stirred his slightly messy black hair, carrying a hint of a chill.

He must have sensed my presence, as he ended the call quickly. He turned, and the moment his gaze landed on me, those golden eyes of his, normally so deep and unreadable, constricted sharply, as if a dark flame had been ignited within them.

He froze. For the first time, his handsome, perpetually composed face registered pure, undisguised shock.

I shifted uncomfortably, tugging at a strap. My bare feet were cold on the marble floor, and I felt a flutter of nerves. “What is it? Is it too flashy? Zoe insisted I buy it… She said it was to… create a little atmosphere.”

He didn’t answer immediately. He just closed the distance with steady strides, each step feeling as if it landed squarely on my heart. He stopped in front of me, his fingertips gently lifting a strand of hair that had slipped over my shoulder and twirling it. His gaze, however, remained fixed on my bare shoulders and neck, and on the fiery expanse of the red dress.

“Zoe’s idea,” he chuckled, his voice a low, playful rasp. “Always so cunning, yet so effective.”

He suddenly reached out, his palm settling on the small of my back, and gave a gentle pull. In an instant, we were so close our breaths mingled. His scent—cool cedar and a faint hint of tobacco—enveloped me completely.

“You…” I started to say, but he lowered his head, the tip of his nose brushing against my temple.

“Don’t make a sound,” he murmured, his lips curving into a devastatingly seductive smile. “Let me see if this dress can live up to your beauty tonight.”

His gaze felt tangible, like a warm touch, as it slowly roamed over me. Gone was his usual restraint and control, replaced by an unconcealed, almost rapacious possessiveness. I could feel his breathing deepen, the rise and fall of his chest more pronounced than before.

“Lila,” he said suddenly, his voice as low and husky as the lingering note of a cello, especially seductive in the night air. “Do you know how to dance?”

I hesitated for a moment. “Caleb taught me a little…”

“Caleb…” He drew a step closer, nipping my lip in punishment. His voice was as soft as a sigh. “Tonight, you are not to think of him.”

He didn’t turn on any lights or play any music. Outside the terrace, the night was a deep, dark canvas; inside, a single wall sconce cast an intimate halo of light. His left arm circled my waist gently, drawing me into his embrace, while his right hand clasped mine, holding it up between us.

“Left foot, back,” he murmured in my ear, his breath hot.

I did as he instructed, my bare feet stepping onto his polished leather shoes. His lead was firm yet gentle, imbued with an innate sense of command. We moved slowly in the silence, without a melody, yet guided by a rhythm more breathtaking than any symphony.

His arm tightened, pulling me flush against him. My cheek pressed against his hard chest, and I could hear the deep, steady beat of his heart from within. One beat, then another, until it slowly began to overlap with my own.

“This dress…” he murmured, his fingers tracing a line down my bare back. His cool touch left a trail of fire in its wake. “It’s too red. It’s going to burn me to a crisp.”

He lowered his head, his kisses trailing along the side of my neck, from my earlobe to my collarbone, igniting my skin. His kisses held a long-suppressed madness, like a wolf finally tearing off its disguise, no longer holding back its hunger.

“Lila,” he growled, nipping at my earlobe. “Look at me.”

I opened my eyes and met his, which burned with golden fire in the darkness. In their depths, I saw surging passion and an almost obsessive possessiveness. But deeper still, I saw a careful, reverent tenderness—as if I were a fragile treasure and he was my only guardian.

“You are mine,” he said, his voice hoarse, each word an undeniable declaration.

My fingertips brushed his jaw, and I rose to meet his lips with my own.

That kiss was the final fuse. The last of his restraint shattered, replaced by a raw, primal inferno in his eyes. He swept me up into his arms and strode into the room.

————

Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns on the floor. I woke in Jasper’s arms to find him lying on his side, watching me. His golden eyes looked exceptionally gentle in the morning light.

“Morning,” I said, feeling a little shy and snuggling deeper into his embrace.

He chuckled, his arm tightening around me as he placed a kiss on my forehead. “Morning, my little she-wolf.”

After getting ready, I pushed open the bedroom door and headed for the walk-in closet. I heard Jasper’s footsteps behind me. He was leaning against the doorframe, studying me with a heavy gaze.

His stare made my skin prickle. I looked down at my jeans and old sweater and asked quietly, “What is it?”

“Why aren’t you wearing the clothes we bought yesterday?” he asked, walking over. His long fingers picked at a loose thread on my sweater, and his voice held a barely perceptible note of disappointment. “Don’t you like them?”

It finally clicked. “It’s not that I don’t like them,” I explained hurriedly. “It’s just… they’re too expensive.” I took his hand, looking at him anxiously. “Jasper, those are obviously designer clothes. The logos are so prominent; they’re too flashy. I’m just a rookie at my company. It’s not appropriate to wear them to the office. What would my colleagues think? I don’t want people to think I got the job because of… other connections.”

’I thought he’d be upset,’ especially since it was such a thoughtful gift. But as he listened, the confusion in his eyes slowly gave way to a deep understanding. He reached out and gently brushed a stray hair from my forehead, his voice low and warm. “I’m sorry, Lila. I was being thoughtless.”

I froze. ’I never expected him to apologize.’

He looked at me, his eyes filled with both apology and tenderness. “I was only thinking about you looking your absolute best. I forgot to consider your circumstances. You’re a woman with her own career and her own pride. I was being presumptuous.”

His words were like a wave of warmth, instantly dispelling my anxiety. Not only did he not pressure me, he understood my concerns immediately.

“You’re right, those big-name brands have obvious logos. They’re not suitable for your current work environment.” He gently took my hand and brought it to his lips for a soft kiss. “I didn’t think it through properly.”

“It’s okay,” I squeezed his hand back, a sweet feeling blooming inside me. “I know you meant well.”

His lips curved into a smile, his gaze gentle. “I have a new idea.”

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