Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94 Sleeping Beauty

Suddenly, the clarity in his eyes deepened, darkening into a dense fog.

Damian remembered the kiss from the early morning, the desire still lingering.

He recalled the soft, tender sensation, sweeter than strawberry cake, so delicious that once tasted, it became an addiction.

Leaning in slowly, his lips were just above the rosy softness, yet he hesitated, frozen in place.

His mind tugged in opposite directions by reason and desire, waged a silent war. He wanted to pull away, yet his desire urged him to sink deeper into the craving.

Time and air seemed to have stopped.

He didn't know how long it had been before he sighed softly and finally pulled away. He sat back in his chair, one hand loosening the tight knot of his tie before grabbing the glass of ice water on the table and draining it in a single gulp.

Behind him, Beatrice lay as still as a doll.

Even the slight tilt of her head seemed unnaturally perfect as if deliberately molded into that position.

A minute passed, and she subtly curled her fingers.

Ten minutes later, she yanked the blanket over her head, wrapping herself up like a mummy.

Her heart raced for what felt like forever, the echo of each beat pulsing through her chest. Everything else felt weightless—only her breathing and wild heartbeat seemed real.

She was caught between exhaustion and complete alertness.

God, she wanted to cry. How long was he going to hover there, agonizing over every move? Did he forget she was a living, breathing person underneath him? Did it occur to him she might wake up? She wasn't Sleeping Beauty—she didn't need his kiss to wake her!

She'd been so tempted to just open her eyes and end this torture.

This was cruel and unusual punishment.

Once she calmed down, worry crept back in.

How long would it take for those drugs to completely leave his system? She needed answers.

*****

Later, the plane landed in Cloudia.

Beatrice pretended to have just woken up.

Although the exhaustion and faint sense of lifelessness made her look like she had been through a lot, it was the way people usually looked before they cracked.

Damian glanced at her. "Did you sleep well?"

Beatrice brushed her hair with her hand, feigning innocence. "Sorry, I was so tired. You didn't call me in the middle of the flight, did you? Once I'm asleep, it's hard to wake me up. Not even thunder could do it."

Damian didn't respond.

There was a fleeting unknown emotion in his eyes as he stood up. "If you're fully awake, let's head out."

With that, he left his seat.

Beatrice slowly got up. She had been wrapped in the blanket for the entire journey, now drenched in sweat, her body feeling faint and weak.

The flight attendant took their luggage and handed it to Gordon, who was there to pick them up.

Once in the car, Gordon smiled and asked Beatrice, "How's everything been?"

She gave him a slightly complicated smile in return. "It... was smooth, I guess."

At least they didn't make any huge mistakes.

Gordon smiled, "That's good."

Beatrice glanced at the rearview mirror. Damian sat in the back, arms crossed, eyes closed as he rested, his face giving away no emotions.

She let out a soft breath of relief.

Back at the apartment complex.

They'd just left the parking garage and were heading to the building's entrance when a tall figure materialized from the shadows.

Honestly, these past few days had been scarier than any horror movie.

"There you are!"

Violet ran toward Beatrice, phone in hand, looking completely panicked.

She gave Damian and Gordon a nod in greeting.

Beatrice pressed a hand over her chest, still racing from the shock. "Why are you waiting here for me? You could've waited at home."

"I've been waiting for you all night! Didn't you say you'd be home by 7 at the latest?" Violet said, pulling her luggage and linking arms with her. "Come on, let's go home. I need to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you when we get back."

It was simply soothing and comforting with each bite of ravioli and sip of soup.

Violet, with tears in her eyes, exclaimed, "This is too good! It's the best ravioli I've ever had."

Beatrice remained silent, focusing on her food.

She took tiny, quick bites, but somehow managed to finish in record time. Violet always teased her about eating like a hungry hamster.

The two of them were so stuffed they could barely stand, their stomachs heavy and full.

Gordon came out carrying two boxes. "Take them back and store them in the fridge. They won't taste as good after freezing, but they'll still be better than what you'd get from the supermarket."

Beatrice and Violet exchanged a look.

Just better? That was the understatement of the year.

Despite feeling embarrassed, they quickly accepted the two boxes of ravioli.

As they were about to leave, Damian suddenly spoke, "Ms. Hudson, what is it that you want to tell Ms. Lawson? Would you mind if I listened in?"

Violet hesitated. "Uh, well..."

Damian raised an eyebrow. "Is it a secret?"

"Not exactly."

After a few seconds of hesitation, Violet thought it might be better for him to know, so she blurted out, "I went to the hospital today, dressed as a nurse, hoping to find some way to get evidence that Madeline was faking illness. But then I overheard a nurse saying that she's pregnant."

Beatrice fell silent, while Damian responded with a faint hum, as if understanding something, though he didn't elaborate.

Beatrice asked indifferently, "And then?"

Violet replied, "Then I dug deeper and heard that the Belmont family has been visiting a lot these past few days, probably discussing a marriage.

" Normally, this wouldn't concern you, but the problem is, if the two families join an alliance, what if Desmond goes back on everything he said before? He and Madeline would be on the same team, and he could spin this whole thing against you!

"That lying jerk! Just days ago he was all 'I'm so sorry' and 'I only love you' and 'I'd never want Madeline.' Had me almost buying his act. Now he's rushing into marriage with her?"

Violet was fuming, but Beatrice remained incredibly calm. "His marriage or his life has nothing to do with me."

Violet pressed on. "And what about Madeline? Are you really going to let her get away with everything? If they join forces, they'll definitely target you in Cloudia. Unless..."

She looked at Damian, not caring whether her best friend might have a heart attack, adding, "You should marry Mr. Crowley, and the two of you can get back at them together!"

Beatrice's mouth fell open. She gaped at her friend, completely speechless.