Chapter 159

• Howard broke the kiss slowly, his lips lingering a heartbeat longer before pulling back just enough to meet her gaze. The air between them crackled, heavy with heat and unspoken words. Their eyes locked—his blue depths stormy with raw emotion, hers hazel pools wide and shimmering, breaths mingling in the candlelit suite. Charlotte's chest heaved, her golden-silver gown rumpled slightly from his grip, and her cheeks flushed deep rose. "Howard," she whispered, his name a soft, trembling plea on her crimson lips, barely audible over their racing hearts.
• He silenced her gently, pressing his index finger to her lips—warm, commanding yet tender. Her eyes fluttered, caught in his intensity. Holding her hand in his strong one,
• "Yes, I was goddamn jealous," he admitted finally, voice rough and low, the words ripping free like a confession long buried. "It's always made me jealous when I see other men near you."