Chapter 255 I Won't Go Further
Sterling found the zipper of her dress under her arm and slowly pulled it down.
The dress was a modern design, ditching the traditional buttons. His hand slipped inside, gently caressing her.
His fingers brushed against a clasp on Bella's clothing. With practiced ease, he unhooked it with one hand.
Bella immediately felt the tightness around her chest loosen. The sudden change made her pull away from Sterling's lips, her eyes wide with surprise.
"We're outside, what are you doing?" Bella's voice was a mix of panic and confusion. She hadn't expected Sterling to make such a move at this moment.
Sterling, however, seemed unfazed by her question. He leaned back in his chair, his hands still firmly around her waist, his voice husky with desire. "Relax, just go with it. I promise I won't do anything crazy."
He had wanted to do this ever since she put on the dress.
Bella hesitated, then looked into Sterling's deep eyes.
She chose to trust him. She pressed her lips to his again, this time more eagerly, as if trying to melt all her doubts and fears in this passionate kiss.
Seeing her response, Sterling smiled with satisfaction.
He freed one hand to close a nearby window, ensuring no one outside could see them.
Then, his fingers traced down Bella's side, finding the zipper at the back of her dress.
His movements were gentle and skilled, as if he were doing something completely ordinary.
As the zipper slid down, Sterling's gaze grew more intense, but he restrained himself from going too far.
Bella felt his gaze and blushed, but a warm feeling spread through her.
She knew that despite his sometimes overbearing nature, his love and care for her were undeniable.
Bella, now aroused, leaned against Sterling's shoulder, breathing heavily.
Her knee accidentally brushed against a part of him that had also reacted strongly.
The touch made her ears burn with embarrassment. She worried that Sterling might take things further.
Fearing he might lose control, Bella quickly pressed her legs together, trying to suppress her own excitement and physical response.
She looked at Sterling nervously, afraid of what he might do next.
To her surprise, Sterling withdrew his hand from her waist and didn't push any further.
He held her tightly, as if using his strength to help calm her.
After a while, when Sterling had finally calmed down, he carefully rehooked her clasp and zipped up her dress.
His actions were tender and meticulous, as if handling a precious piece of art.
Bella felt Sterling's care and gentleness. She hadn't expected him to show such restraint and respect at a crucial moment.
She shifted slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "You hooked it wrong. It's really uncomfortable like this," she complained softly.
Sterling raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on his lips. He unzipped her dress again, adjusted the clasp, and rehooked it. "How about now? More comfortable?"
Bella's cheeks turned bright red. She glared at Sterling and muttered, "You're crazy. When did you become so wild?"
Sterling chuckled, leaning close to her ear. "Next time, I'll buy you a size bigger so I won't get it wrong."
Embarrassed and annoyed, Bella lightly punched him. What was supposed to be a relaxed lunch had turned into a heart-pounding, breathless experience because of Sterling's actions.
She had heard that kissing was a form of exercise, and now she truly understood. They had kissed for nearly half an hour, and she was genuinely hungry.
"You're impossible," Bella said with a mix of shyness and sweetness in her eyes.
She knew Sterling's wildness and dominance came from his love for her.
Sterling looked at her flushed face, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. He gently held her hand, his eyes filled with laughter.
But the food on the table had long lost its warmth. Bella picked up her utensils, trying to find something not too cold to eat.
However, Sterling took her utensils away and pulled her back into his arms.
"Do you think I'd let you eat cold leftovers?" Sterling teased, his voice playful and affectionate.
Clearly, he was in a good mood.
Bella looked at him silently, her eyes still glistening with tears from earlier. Her eyes were red, adding to her delicate charm.
Her gaze held a mix of helplessness, shyness, and a deep trust in Sterling.
Seeing this, Sterling felt a wave of warmth. He pressed the service bell, calling a waiter to clear the cold dishes.
Bella's cheek rested against Sterling's chest, feeling the warmth and security he provided.
A wave of drowsiness washed over her. She hadn't slept well the night before, and their earlier intimacy had drained her energy. His embrace felt like a warm harbor, making her want to sink into it.
Sterling looked down at Bella, her breathing becoming steady and deep as she fell asleep.
Not wanting to wake her, Sterling gently reopened the window, letting fresh air and warm sunlight fill the room.
It was nearly noon, and the surface of Luminous Lake sparkled with golden light, as if sprinkled with gold dust.
It was breathtakingly beautiful, but Sterling's gaze remained detached.
The sound of the waiter bringing new dishes broke the silence, waking Bella. She rubbed her sleepy eyes.
Bella had only taken a short nap. As she sat up, her eyes were still a bit dazed.