The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1998

Cicely's "I don't know" was met with Seth's hands-on instruction.

As they approached the villa's grand entrance, Cicely lowered her head to punch in the code. She'd barely tapped in a few digits when Seth's frame pressed close behind her, his arm encircling her waist as his voice floated down from above her head.

"020727, and then?"

Her fingers hovered over the keypad, curling slightly.

Seth's hand reached out, pressing a "9" before he asked in a low voice, "Right?" Cicely nodded.

Seth's lips curved into a half-smile as he entered the remaining numbers.d2

91227

He paused for a brief moment, then slowly pushed the enter button. The sound of the lock disengaging echoed through the stillness.

Cicely, surprised, turned to look at him, "How did you know?"

Instead of answering, Seth gently pushed her into the house, swung the door closed behind them, and backed her against it. She found herself against the door, her hands clutching at the fabric of his shirt as he bent down over her.

The vast villa was eerily silent, leaving only their ragged breaths to intertwine in the emptiness. In the quiet space, the intoxicating allure was palpable, robbing Cicely of her strength. She was powerless against Seth's tender yet fervent kiss.

Indeed, she was defenseless against any of his gentle touches. The normally reserved and coolly handsome man was now kissing her with such passion and seduction that just the thought of it drained her of the energy to even keep her heart beating.

Seth enveloped her in his embrace, the slender girl trapped within his arms, too delicate and soft to resist.

The kiss deepened, a fervent invasion that left her melting in his hold. She wanted to respond but couldn't support her own weight.

She slid down, then pressed back up.

Seth's eyes, heavy with desire, glinted with amusement as he kissed her deeply, then pulled back just enough to create a distance, waiting for her to reach for him again.

Several times, Cicely caught on to his playful cruelty, blushing with anger as she pushed him away, only to be met with his low laughter and then enveloped even more tightly in his arms. He seemed to be making up for his earlier teasing with an overwhelming cascade of kisses, moving her towards the living room couch.

Cicely's lips were swollen and red, her neck marked with a scattering of crimson. His hands explored under her clothes but lingered only at her waist and back, never venturing to the front as she half-expected.

Finally, Seth released her, propping himself on the couch and looking down at the ravaged, blushed beauty beneath him.

The typically bold and assertive princess was now compliant and soft as a pool of water. His eyes were filled with an emotion so thick it couldn't be stirred, as if a whole barrel of whiskey had been spilled, infusing the air with a heady intoxication. "Do you understand now?" he asked, his deep voice seductively resonant, "The implications of inviting a man into your home."

Cicely caught her breath, her chest heaving, her face flushed but not wanting to appear weak in front of him. "I understand, but I would do it again."

Seth's eyes narrowed as he caressed her cheek, brushing the hair from her face. "Next time, it won't just be to this extent."

Cicely paused, her cheeks reddening even further.

Seth's collar, loosened from leaning over, revealed a simple platinum chain. Cicely reached out and drew it out. A platinum ring lay in her pale palm. "Why don't you wear it on your finger? Are you afraid it'll interfere with your dating life?"

Seth glanced at it, sat up on the couch, and pulled the chain back inside his shirt. "It's too easy to lose on the finger."

He uttered his words with a calm demeanor, briefly glancing at her as she frowned in dissatisfaction. A subtle smile formed on his lips as he gently grasped her hand, his thumb tenderly brushing against the ring on her finger, a match to his own. "Would a diamond ring be prettier?"