Chapter 182

Annie's POV

I awoke in Howard's embrace, morning light filtering through the half-drawn curtains into the spacious bedroom. The memory of last night's passion on the balcony lingered vividly in my mind, and I felt my cheeks flush thinking about our intimate moments under the stars.

Howard's long arm was wrapped around me, his chest pressed firmly against my back, warm and solid. I shifted slightly, attempting to get up.but his response was to hold me even tighter.

"Trying to escape so early?" Howard's voice was deep and magnetic.instantly evoking memories of what had happened in the bathroom last night.

After returning from the balcony, we'd been covered in sweat and decided to shower together. Hot water cascaded over our bodies,steam filling the entire bathroom. Howard had pinned me against the cool wa11.the stark temperature contrast making me shiver involuntarily. His arm muscles had tensed as he effortlessly lifted me, leaving me no choice but to cling tightly to his broad shoulders.

Water had streamed down his sculpted back muscles, my fingertips sensing the power contained beneath his skin. He'd held me firmly against the wall, entering me with passionate determination,each movement revealing his irresistible strength tempered with tenderness. Through the steam,his gray eyes had locked onto mine, his gaze leaving me nowhere to hide-not that I wanted to escape.

"What are you thinking about?" Present-day Howard noticed my distraction and rolled over, pinning me beneath him. His eyes still held that same intensity from the night before.

"Last night," I admitted honestly, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw."The part in the shower."

Howard's eyes immediately darkened, and he leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. "We could re-enact that.".

Just then, we heard Lucy's voice from outside the door: "Mom! Dad! Are you awake?"

Howard instantly rolled back to lie beside me, and we exchanged knowing smiles. Such was life-passion and responsibility coexisting side by side.

"We're up, Lucy," I called back. "Give us a few minutes."

Lucy responded from the hallway: "Okay! Don't forget I have my performance this afternoon!"

I heard her little footsteps fade away and turned to Howard. "She checked that white dress at least five times before bed last night. I'm sure she's already been looking at it again this morning."

"She's taking this performance very seriously," Howard nodded, his smile revealing a touch of pride. "I hope she doesn't get too nervous."

We quickly washed up and made our way to the dining room where,just as I'd predicted. Lucy was waiting for us with her carefully selected white pearl-decorated dress laid out beside her.

"Mom,what do you think of this dress?" Lucy asked, her blue eyes wide with anticipation."Will I be the prettiest little host?"

"Of course you will" I smiled,gently stroking her soft golden curls."You'll be the most radiant one there."

After breakfast, we dropped Lucy off ait the Upper East Side Private Preschool. She immediately ran toward Penny. and the two little girls were instantly absorbed in discussions about the performance, so much so that they forgot to say goodbye to us.

Back in the car. Howard turned to me. "Let's head straight to the office.We can pick her up at noon."

"Sounds good." I nodded. "I have some finishing touches to do on my illustrations."

In my office at Howard Technologies, I focused on the picture book illustrations I was working on. This work gave me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction completely different from the emptiness I'd felt when I was with Philip.

Before long. Howard rose from his desk and walked over to stand behind me. He leaned down, his hands resting on my desk, effectively encirclng me in his embrace. "How's it coming along?"

His breath brushed against my ear, causing me to shiver involuntarily.I could feel the warmth of his chest through my blouse, that familiar heat bringing my thoughts back to the previous night.

"Almost done," I struggled to keep my voice steady. "Give me another half hour."

Howard's lips grazed the side of my neck. "I love watching you work so intently."

His hands began to wander, lightly caressing my chest. I tried to concentrate on my drawing, but Howard's touch made that nearly impossible.

"Howard," I protested softly, "we're in the office."

"My office," he corrected with amusement in his voice, "and the door is already locked."

Only then did I notice that at some point, he had returned and locked the office door.Howard gently turned my chair to face him.

He pulled me to my feet, then sat down in my place, his hands resting on my waist. Howard unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his muscular chest and abs, which looked particularly enticing in the soft light of the office.

"We have a full hour before we need to pick up Lucy," he murmured, his gaze traveling downward before returning to my face, his eyes holding an unmistakable suggestion. "Plenty of time."

I felt his fingers lightly caressing my waist, understanding exactly what he wanted. A thought formed in my mind-I wanted to see this powerful man lose control because of me. The desire surprised me, but also excited me tremendously.

I slowly knelt before Howard, seeing a flash of surprise and anticipation in his eyes. My fingers gently unbuckled his bel, then moved to the button and zipper of his pants. His breathing became more rapid, his fingers unconsciously threading through my hair.

"You don't have to..." he began, his voice already husky.

"I want to." I replied softly, looking up to meet his gaze. Seeing the fire of desire burning in his eyes, I felt an unprecedented sense of control.

I caressed his already hardened desire through his underwear,satisfied to see Howard's Adam's apple bob up and down. When I pulled down his underwear, releasing his firmness, I couldn't help but marvel again at his size.

I lowered my head to touch the tip with my lips, and Howard immediately let out a deep sigh. My tongue circled the head,tasting him. His hand tightened in my hair, but remained gentle enough.

"Annie..." he called my name in a low voice filled with desire and longing.

I gradually deepened the intimate contact, taking more of him into my mouth. Howard's body visibly tensed, the strong muscles of his thighs tightening under my palms. I could feel the contours of each muscle,reminding me that although I had the initiative at this moment,he could easily change the situation at any time.

I wrapped one hand around the part I couldn't take in, moving up and down in rhythm with my mouth. Howard's breathing became even more rapid. and the pressure of his fingers in my hair increased, guiding my pace.

"God, Annie..." he growled, his voice raspy and sexy.

I looked up at him and found him staring at me. his eyes filled with naked desire and amazement. From this angle, I could clearly see his abdominal muscles flexing with each breath, the perfect definition of his chest. He was so strong and powerful, yet now losing control because of my actions.

I quickened my pace, and Howard's reactions grew more intense. Suddenly,his hand tightened, stopping my movements.

"Enough," his voice was hoarse, "or this will end too quickly."

He pulled me up and sat me on his lap,his hands simultaneously slipping under my skirt, skillfully removing my last defense. His fingers explored my secret garden,discovering it was already wet.

"So wet for me," he whispered in my ear, "just from pleasing me?"

"Yes," I confessed, my voice trembling with desire, "seeing your reactions excites me."

Howard's gaze grew even more intense. He suddenly stood up, lifting me and placing me on the desk. His movement demonstrated his amazing strength,making me feel momentarily dizzy.

He stood between my legs, leaning down to kiss my lips while unbuttoning my blouse and unhooking my bra. When my upper body was bare, his lips immediately moved downward, taking my peak into his mouth. I had to bite my lower lip to prevent myself from making too much noise.

Soon,we became one, both letting out a satisfied sigh.

Our union was intense and quick, and before long. I felt myself reaching the pinnacle. Howard followed shortly after, burying his face in the crook of my neck with a deep groan.

We maintained this position for a moment, enjoying the tranquility after intimacy. Howard gently kissed my cheeks and lips, his movements tender and cherishing.

"You always surprise me, Annie," he said softly, his eyes shining with tenderness, "in every way."

We smiled at each other with perfect understanding, then began to straighten our clothes. Howard brousht a tosel from thetehl

in his office to help me clean up.

I checked the time and realized it wasn't even noon yet. "It's still early.Lucy's performance doesn't start until the afternoon."

Howard pulled me close, once again capturing my lips with his. "So we still have plenty of time for just the two of us."