Chapter 283 Interrupted
Bella grew more anxious and finally blurted out, "Did you use any protection?"
Her words tumbled out, fueled by her nervousness and embarrassment.
Sterling heard her clearly but decided to tease her, pretending he didn't understand, "What?"
Bella didn't have the courage to repeat herself, "Nothing. Never mind."
Sterling smirked and leaned in close to her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine, "I heard you. What do you think?"
Bella's heart tightened, guessing that he hadn't used any. She felt a bit scared, "No? Then I'll go get some emergency contraception."
Seeing her genuine worry, Sterling dropped the teasing and smiled, "I did. Do you think I'd be that careless? I won't hurt you again."
"By the way, I ordered some desserts for you. Didn't you say you like having desserts with Zoey? Try them later; they're some of the best I've had."
With that, Sterling walked back to his desk and made a call, "You can bring them in now, and add two coffees."
After hanging up, he noticed Bella still blushing and looking down.
With a playful glint in his eye, he said, "Are you shy? We've known each other for over ten years. Isn't it a bit strange for you to be shy around me?"
Bella's face turned even redder, and she quickly denied it, "I'm not! I was just thinking, once this is all over, can we finally be at peace? Have they found Caleb yet?"
Sterling's expression turned serious at her question, "No, but he contacted Colin last night. It seems he's in Harborvale now. Don't worry, it's only a matter of time before they find him. Besides, that's the police's job, not ours."
Sterling didn't tell Bella the whole truth. Caleb was a significant threat, but he didn't want her to worry.
Just then, Sable knocked on the office door, "Mr. Windsor, the desserts are here."
"Come in," Sterling responded, and Sable entered, placing a beautifully packaged box of desserts and two steaming cups of coffee on the table in front of Bella.
"Try them," Sterling suggested, indicating for Bella to open the box.
Bella, curious, unwrapped the package. The sight of the desserts made her eyes light up. They looked not only unique but also incredibly delicious.
Trusting Sterling's taste, she tried a small strawberry-topped cake.
The cake melted in her mouth, sweet but not overwhelming, better than any dessert she'd ever had. She couldn't help but take a few more bites, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
Seeing her reaction, Sterling reminded her, "Try the coffee too."
Bella picked up the coffee cup and took a sip. The rich aroma and smooth taste perfectly complemented the desserts.
As Sterling brought a matcha-flavored dessert to her lips, Bella was so engrossed in the treats that she didn't notice the intimacy of the gesture. She obediently took a bite, finding it even more delicious and creamy than the previous cake.
While Bella was fully absorbed in enjoying the desserts, Sterling watched her quietly, a smile playing on his lips.
When she finished the last bite, he softly said, "If you like them, I'll have them delivered to you every day."
Bella then realized Sterling hadn't eaten any of the desserts.
Feeling a bit guilty, she said, "Sorry, they were so good I couldn't help myself. I forgot to save you some."
Sterling's gaze lingered on her slightly upturned lips, a dark glint in his eyes, "You did save some."
Before Bella could react, he leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth.
His hand firmly held the back of her head, preventing her from pulling away.
He playfully licked the remaining cream from her lips, finding the combination of the dessert's sweetness and her taste more enticing than any treat.
Bella was stunned by his sudden move, her eyes wide as she stared at Sterling's handsome face so close to hers.
The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only Sterling in sharp focus.
A mix of panic and excitement surged through her, but she couldn't deny that she didn't dislike Sterling's actions.
In fact, a small part of her felt a thrill. For the first time, she felt like a woman who could face him boldly, not the timid girl she used to be.
As Sterling deepened the kiss, she slowly closed her eyes, slightly parting her lips to match his movements.
Her hands instinctively wrapped around his neck, a gesture that delighted Sterling as he pressed her down onto the couch.
Bella's response surprised him, as it was the first time she had reacted so positively.
Just as Sterling's hand found the clasp on her back, ready to undo it, an untimely knock on the door interrupted them.
"Mr. Windsor, Mr. Rivera is here," came the secretary's voice from outside.
Sterling paused, frustration evident as he pulled away and straightened his slightly disheveled clothes, also helping Bella fix hers.
Seeing Sterling's frustrated expression, Bella couldn't help but find it amusing.
Sterling regained his usual calm demeanor, "Let him in. This better be important!"
Bella quickly got up, trying to hide her embarrassment. To distract herself, she took a big sip of coffee, hoping to calm her nerves.
Colin entered, immediately sensing the tension between them, a knowing look in his eyes.
But he didn't comment, instead politely saying, "I have something to discuss. It won't take long. But it's a matter for men, so Bella, could you step out for a moment?"
Bella nodded but asked, "How's your injury?"
"It's fine. His aim wasn't good enough to hurt me," Colin replied confidently.
Relieved, Bella left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Outside, she was met with Sable's warm smile. Sable was Sterling's secretary, and Bella had always liked her.
"How long have you been Sterling's secretary?" Bella asked, trying to make conversation.
Sable thought for a moment, "Seven years." Then, as if remembering something, she quickly added, "I'm married!"
Bella felt a bit awkward, not having meant anything by her question, but she appreciated Sable's honesty and straightforwardness.
She admired how Sable had managed to work with Sterling for so long while maintaining her independence and clarity.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
