Chapter 197 Suddenly Lifted from the Ground
"Are you joking?"
Victoria Kensington's cheeks were instantly aflame. The wine glass she had been offered was untouched, its contents consumed entirely by another.
"Do I appear to be joking?"
A silence fell, heavy and palpable. Victoria's heart pounded in her chest, rendering her momentarily speechless. He was truly... audacious.
"Do you find yourself embarrassed? I assure you, I've seen it all before. I wouldn't mind a repeat performance."
Another silence, this one filled with a mounting dread. Victoria's chest tightened. Surely, he had imbibed too much. Three drinks at the very least, she surmised. What else could explain the flush that stained his usually stoic countenance?
Alexander Harrington, the man who had always maintained an impassive facade, now appeared as though he had been subjected to a sudden rise in temperature. Victoria found this transformation startling, leaving her momentarily at a loss for words.
Alexander gently guided her into the bathroom, setting her down on the edge of the cool marble sink. The chill of the stone served as a stark reminder of reality. Yet, Alexander continued to cradle her face in his hands, leaning in close. "I believe I may be intoxicated, darling."
Darling? Was that a term to be used so casually?
"Are you capable of showering unassisted? I fear I cannot trust myself in your presence." His voice deepened, betraying a struggle for self-control.
In her mind, Victoria readily agreed. She wished for nothing more than his swift departure. Yet, Alexander seemed oblivious to her silent plea. Captivated by her gentle gaze, he found himself unable to resist the urge to kiss her once more.
Victoria was left stunned. Wasn't he supposed to be leaving? His kiss was assertive, commanding. It left her breathless, her neck aching from the intensity.
Once Alexander had finally left, Victoria remained by the sink, her hands gripping the edge to prevent her knees from buckling. Just moments ago, she had been enveloped in his arms. Now, he was gone, off to another room to shower.
Shortly after, the sound of running water filled the bathroom. He had thoughtfully started the shower for her before his departure. As she stared at the foggy glass door, her thoughts were as clouded as the bathroom mirror.
Just moments ago, she had nearly reciprocated his kiss. His devotion had seemed genuine, as if he desired her and her alone. Yet, a glance at her mother's ring served as a harsh reminder of reality. He was engaged to another woman, a woman who might be carrying his child.
In his drunken state, he might not remember, allowing him to deny it all. With that realization, Victoria's heart finally broke free from its darkness.
---
When she emerged from the bathroom, towel-drying her hair, he was already reclining on the bed. Victoria paused, suddenly apprehensive.
Alexander's gaze was immediately drawn to her slender legs. No, that wasn't entirely accurate. The first thing he noticed was the way her bath towel clung to her, accentuating the curve of her collarbone and the soft pink of her lips. Only then did his gaze reluctantly shift to her legs.
She was like a heroine straight out of a comic book, with impossibly long, slender legs that were pale and soft. Alexander quickly rose to his feet.
As he approached, Victoria instinctively recoiled, her retreat halted by the wall behind her. Startled, she let out a soft gasp.
Amused by her reaction, Alexander paused. Her face was a deep shade of red. He retreated to the bathroom, leaving Victoria to silently grumble, "What's so amusing?" She wished she could remind certain men not to laugh at women without good reason.
When Alexander reappeared, he held a hairdryer in his hand. "Allow me to dry your hair for you," he offered.
Victoria was taken aback. Dry her hair? What was he implying? She had been unable to locate the hairdryer herself and reached out to take it. "I can manage," she assured him.
He handed it over willingly, but as she turned to retreat to the bathroom, he suddenly swept her off her feet.
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