Chapter 132

Annie's POV

"Because of you," Howard said, his gray eyes fixed intently on mine.

Confused,I asked,"Me?"

Howard's lips curved into a subtle smile as he explained, "Betty went specifically to see my mother tonight to stir up trouble, trying to turn her against you. Selena happened to be staying at the family house and overheard Betty's conversation. She found it ridiculous." His thumb traced a gentle pathalong my jawline. "And in fact, my mother was actually beginning to waver. After Betty left, Selena immediately reasoned with her.She convinced my mother not to believe Betty's words. Only after confirming that my mother had completely abandoned any notion of causing trouble for you did Selena call to report the situation to me."

The revelation surprised me. I hadn't realized how far Betty was willing to go to drive a wedge between Howard and me. It seemed the woman's animosity toward me knew no bounds.

Howard's thumb continued its gentle caress against my cheek. "Annie,since you entered my life, it seems I've experienced nothing but good fortune."

I didn't contradict him but instead gazed sincerely into his eyes. There was something about Howard that made me feel both vulnerable and utterly safe. The way he looked at me-as if I were precious beyond measure-still took my breath away.

Howard cupped my face in his hands and slowly lowered his head to kiss me. His warm lips pressed against mine with a tenderness that made my

heart race. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the sensation of his kiss,allowing myself to simply feel rather than think.

"Do you remember our agreement from this afternoon?" Howard whispered against my ear, his voice low and husky with barely concealed desire that sent shivers down my spine.

I certainly remembered. The memory of our conversation in his office earlier today, when his fingers had unbuttoned just the first button of my blouse before I'd stopped him, promnising to "celebrate properly" tonight,flashed through my mind.The recollection alone was enough to make heat rise within me.

"I remember," I answered softly, feeling warmth spread from my abdomen throughout my body. "Shall we go to your room?"

Howard's arm encircled my waist, pulling me tightly against his body."How about right here?" he murmured, his teeth grazing my earlobe. "I can't wait any longer."

His urgency ignited a fire within me. I glanced around, taking in our surroundings. The balcony was on the top floor of the mansion,surrounded by dense trees that completely screened us from outside view.The night air was cool against my flushed skin, creating a delicious contrast to Howard's warmth.

"They won't," Howard interrupted, one hand already sliding beneath the hem of my dress, traveling upward along my thigh. "You kept avoiding my eyes this morning, Annie. That's not a good habit."

His fingers traced along my inner thigh, giving a light, punishing squeeze

to the sensitive skin there, making me draw in a sharp breath.

"I didn't want the employees to notice," I gasped in response, my hands climbing to his shoulders for support.

"Notice what?" Howard demanded, while one hand had already undone my hair, letting it cascade down.

"Notice that I... miss your touch..." I confessed,no longer hiding my desire.

Howard seemed satisfied with this answer; his lips instantly covered mine,no longer gently exploring but claiming me with fierce possession. His tongue invaded my mouth, tangling with mine, mimicking more intimate actions. His hands simultaneously roamed my body, his movements both urgent and precise. He no longer needed to discover my sensitive spots-after our intimate encounters, he knew my body perfectly. His palm covered my breast, kneading through the thin fabric, while his lips moved from my mouth to my neck, leaving a trail of hot, wet kisses.

"Howard..." I moaned, my hands already instinctively pulling his shirt from his waistband, desperate to feel his skin.

He suddenly turned me around, pressing me against the balcony railing,embracing me from behind. "Look," he rasped in my ear, "al of New York is at our feet."

The city lights spread out before us like fallen stars, while the real stars twinkled overhead. This visual spectacle, combined with Howard's kisses behind my ear and along my neck, made me tremble all over.

His hand snaked around to my front, deftly unbuttoning my blouse,though only enough to allow his hand entry. His palm was scorching as it covered my stomach before moving upward, finally finding its target and

drawing an uncontrollable moan from me.

"Quiet," he bit my earlobe gently. "unless you want all the staff to hear."

Rather than calming me, his words added a forbidden thrill. I turned to face him, pulling him toward me, my hands impatiently unfastening his belt while our lips connected once more.

Howard suddenly lifted me, positioning my legs around his waist. I could feel his hardness pressing against my most sensitive area. He carried me the few steps to a lounger in thecorner of the balcony, and we tumbled down together, our limbs entwined.

The lounger creaked softly, but we were well beyond caring. Howard's hand started at my knee, moving along mny thigh, all the way up until he found my core. His fingers explored there, each touch sending tremors throughout my body.

"You're... especially passionate today," I said breathlessly,my fingers wandering across his chest,exploring the contours of every muscle.

"Because I saw Philip outside the company earlier," Howard admitted frankly, his movements never ceasing. "It made me realize I need to proclaim to the world that you're mine."

This expression of possessiveness both thrilled and challenged me.Before I could respond, he had already lowered his head, his mouth and tongue exploring downward to find the sensitive spots on my chest. I had to bite my finger to prevent myself from making too much noise.

"Howard... I need..." I whispered urgently, my hands gripping his shoulders.

He understood my meaning, his movements suddenly becoming more

insistent. Ourclothes were already in disarray, though not completely removed. This half-covered state somehow added to the forbidden excitement.

When he finally joined with me completely, the feeling of being utterly filled mnade my vision blur. Howard began to move, slowly but powerfully,each thrust precisely hitting my most sensitive spot, causing me to shudder continuously.

My hands clutched the edges of the lounger, my hips rising to meet his rhythm. Howard's gaze locked onto my expression, seemingly enjoying watching me surrender to him.

"Look at me, Annie," he commanded, simultaneously increasing his pace. "I want to see your eyes."

I forced myself to open my eyes, meeting his gaze. In this intimate stare,I felt an unprecedented connection, not just physical but spiritual as well.

Pleasure washed over me like waves, my body tensing, every inch of skin becoming hypersensitive. Howard noticed my change, his movements becoming more dominant as he lowered himself, his mouth and tongue continuing to tease my breasts, pushing me toward the peak.

When my climax arrived, I could barely control my voice. Howard immediately covered my lips with his, swallowing my moans,while reaching his own peak, his body deeply embedded within mine.

In the afterglow, we remained tightly embraced, our sweat and breath mingling. Howard's hand gently stroked my back, soothing my slightly trembling muscles.

"Annie," he whispered against my ear, his voice carrying a rare

vulnerability. "I've spent so much effort winning you."

His eyes gleamed with sincerity in the moonlight, "Of course I won't let you go."

I nestled in his arms. skin against skin. feeling his strong heartbeat.In that moment, I realized I could nolonger leave,this man-not just because of the intense physical attraction. but because he made me feel safe,cherished.and complete.