Chapter 79

Howard's POV

I closed the office door and turned to face Annie. The soft "click" of the lock felt like it sealed our private moment together.

"Finally, just the two of us," I said, my voice involuntarily dropping to a deeper register.

Annie stood there, cheeks flushed with a delicate pink, her eyes holding a look of anticipation and trust I'd never seen in any other woman's eyres.That gaze made my chest tighten and my breathing deepen.

"You were really impressive," shesaid, looking up at me, her voice softer than usual. "Mr. Morgan was so skeptical at first, but by the end, he was completely convinced by you."

I didn't care what Morgan thought. In this moment, my world consisted only of Annie. I stepped forward and pulled her intomy arms."I only care what you think."

The moment my lips touched hers, all rational thought was thrown to the winds. Her lips were soft and warm, even sweeter than I had imagined.My kiss started tentatively but quickly grew urgent. Annie's response was equally fervent, her arms encircling my neck, her fingers gently threading through my hair, a sensation that nearly drove me wild.

My hands moved instinctively over her body, from her slender waist downward, feeling the curves of her body. I backed her against the edge of the table, hearing her slight gasp as our bodies pressed together. That sound ignited the flame within me.

"Howard..," she whispered my name betweenkisses,her voice trembling with unsteady breath. My rational mind had nearly evaporated completely, leaving only the primal desire to make her mine, right here, right now.

Suddenly,the office door was pushed open without warning.

"Click."

"Brother..."

I almost growled out loud. Damn it! Who dared to disturb us at this moment? Every muscle in my body tensed, blood racing through my veins,anger almost exploding from my chest. I maintained my position, still holding Annie in my arms, but my body had gone rigid as stone.

Annie quickly pushed away from me. "Someone's here," her voice carried a note of panic as she hastily adjusted her clothing.

I turned to see Selena, my beloved sister, standing in the doorway, herface a picture of shock.

Mom had said she would be here.

I suppressed the urge to curse, making my voice sound as calm as possible:"Come in."

Though I maintained my usual composure on the surface, my mind was in chaos. Damn it, we were so close! If she had arrived just ten minutes later... no, five minutes... Annie would have been mine. My body still burned with desire, the abrupt interruption feeling like torture.

Selena awkwardly approached my desk. "Brother."

I sat down with an expressionless face, firmly locking away the burning desire and anger deep within: "Next time you come in, remember to knock." My voice was cold enough to freeze water, but I knew this was the only way to control myself from lashing out at my sister. Selena nodded silently: "Okay."

I gestured for her to sit down, forcing myself into business mode:′′you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Selena had originally intended to ask about work matters, but was clearly shocked by what she'd just witnessed: "Is that my future sister-in-law?"

"Yes, that's her." At the mention of Annie, my eyes involuntarily softened.I couldn't help glancing at Annie sitting nearby, her head lowered, a strand of hair falling along the side of her face, her lips still flushed from our kisses. I couldn't help but imagine what those red lips would have been doing to me if we hadn't been interrupted... Damn, I needed to focus.

Selena lowered her voice: "She's beautiful... and seems very gentle. She's more than good enough for you."

I responded absently to Selena's comments, but my eyes kept drifting toward Annie. She sat on the sofa, her legs elegantly crossed, her skirt revealing a glimpse of smooth calf. My thoughts wandered again... What would it feel like to have those legs wrapped around my waist? What if I could kiss every inch of her skin? The image of Annie gasping beneath me forced me to adjust my sitting position to hide my still-present desire.

"So you came to see me just to gossip?" Iforced myself back to reality.

Selena quickly shook her head: "Of course not!"

She began talking at length about various company issues. My body sat at the table, my mouth mechanically responding to my sister's questions, but my mind was entirely focused on Annie. Every small movement she made pulled at my nerves-how she ran her fingers through her hair,how she gently bit her lower lip in thought, even the rhythm of her chest rising and falling with each breath...

"Your focus is misplaced to begin with," I heard myself saying,my voice professionally cold, in stark contrast to the heat raging inside me.

I began analyzing the problem for Selena while stealing glances at Annie.Sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting the curves of her body. My mind conjured images of her clothes being removed, her skin trembling under my touch... Damn, I needed to concentrate.

"What you need to focus on is what's causing these minor problems, not how to solve each small issue after it appears," I heard myself giving textbook business advice, but my eyes kept falling on Annie's neck,imagining what sounds she might make if I kissed her there...

"I understand now!" Selena's excited voice pulled me back to reality."Thank you, brother! If I have any other questions, can I come to you again?"

"Of course," I answered, absently tapping the desk. "I am your brother."

Selena looked relieved, said her goodbyes with a smile, and finally left the office.

The moment the door closed,I practically launched myself from my chair,striding purposefully toward Annie. The desire that had been suppressed for so long surged within me like a beast about to break free from its chains.

"Now,we can continue," I said in a low voice, hoarse with desire.

I pulled Annie into my arms, not giving her a chance to respond before claiming her lips. This kiss was more intense than before, more-desperate.My hands eagerly explored her body, one hand holding the back of her neck to deepen the kiss, the other finding its way under the hem of her blouse,touching her warm skin.

"Howard..." Annie gasped between kisses. "We can't..." "Why not?" I whispered against her lips, barely able to control myself.I could feel her responding to me, her body trembling slightly at my touch.her breathing becoming rapid. "Weboth want this, don't we?"

My hand continued upward, feeling the smoothness of her skin.I was completely dominated by desire, rationality long since abandoned.

"Howard, stop," Annie suddenly pushed me away forcefully,determination in her voice. "Not now..."

I froze in place, blood still boiling, looking at her in disbelief. "Why?"

Annie pointed to the clock on the wall: "It's already this late, we need to pick up Lucy. Did you forget? School's almost out."

Lucy. My rationality slowly returned to my brain like being doused with cold water. I glanced at the clock and realized it was indeed time to pick Lucy up from preschool. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my erratic breathing and heartbeat.

"Damn," I cursed under my breath, but it was no longer from anger at being interrupted, but frustration at myself for forgetting my responsibilities: "You're right."

I stepped back,straightening my suit and tie, trying to restore my usual appearance. Annie was also adjusting her clothing, her face still flushed,but her eyes had regained their clarity.

"Lucy is always punctual," Annie gently reminded me. "We can't keep her waiting too long."

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. No matter how much I desired Annie,Lucy would always come first in my life. This realization helped me regain my composure.

"I'll get the car," I said, my voice returning to its usual steadiness. Annie nodded with a smile, following me to the door. Before I opened it.she gently held my hand: "Howard..."

I turned to look at her, seeing the gentleness and understanding in her eyes.

"We'll have time," she said softly. "Just not now."

I felt the tightness in my chest gradually release, replaced by a warm sense of fulfillment. Annie understood my responsibilities, which made her even more precious to me.

"Of course," I answered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead."Lucy always comes first."