?Chapter 180:
The intensity of the scene left Aron and Hugh thoroughly flustered. Faces ame, the two young men quickly turned away, pretending to study the far wall as if it were the most fascinating thing in the room. Myles, always striving forposure, pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose and lowered his head, doing his best to maintain a calm, detached demeanor.
Even An and Merlin diverted their eyes, retreating into silent difort, unwilling to confront the passion unfolding.
Only Manley remained captivated, amusement and envy flickering across his expression. “What a stunning, blissful moment,” he breathed dramatically. “It stirs something in me—a yearning to fall in love again.”
Elliana finally yielded to Cole’s fierce embrace, surrendering to the unexpected tenderness beneath hismanding kisses. Though assertive, he remained mindful of her feelings, transforming the experience into something exquisitely pleasurable.
Time seemed to slip away, and when it ended, her body felt soft and pliable, like a kitten curledfortably in a warm embrace.
Atst, Cole broke off the kiss but held her close, his lips lingering mere inches apart, their breaths mingling in the stillness.
“Elliana,” he whispered gently, then fell silent, releasing a soft sigh.
Elliana immediately grasped the weight of Cole’s sigh. It conveyed everything left unspoken—relief, affection, the dread of loss, and the overwhelming happiness of reunion. She sensed the profound care radiating from him.
Gently, Elliana buried her face into Cole’s chest, surrendering fully and relinquishing all resistance. In that quiet moment, a deep realization unfolded within her. The initial attraction was merely the first step toward true love. Withoutpletely embracing one another’s souls, escape from the ensuing whirlwind was impossible.
From their very first encounter, that subtle current of desire had determined her path—she had been bound to Cole from the start. Denial was pointless; if she pushed him away, she knew regret would haunt her for years toe, and the impression he’d left would linger forever. So, why hold back any longer? If there was real affection between them, why not let it flourish? Only time would reveal whether their story was meant tost, but for now, nothing mattered except the vibrant rush of the present.
With that thought, Elliana slipped her arms around his waist, finally returning his embrace.
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Her unexpected response left Cole momentarily stunned, his breath caught in his chest. For a heartbeat, time stood still. Then, joy washed over him—a happiness so profound that it made his pulse race. He could feel her eptance, the way she nestled willingly into his arms, abandoning any trace of hesitation.
“’Liana,” Cole whispered, her name trembling on his lips, each syble steeped in yearning and adoration. The emotion in his voice ran so deep that only he could truly grasp its significance—a silent vow and a plea all at once.
Just then, an abrupt gunshot shattered the quiet and sweet moment…
The shot came from a man in ck—someone who had passed out but regained consciousness recently, burning with revenge. Quietly, he picked up a handgun and fired at Elliana.
Even without seeing it, Elliana and Cole sensed the danger. Their instincts kicked in like lightning.
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