?Chapter 258:


    He pulled her gently into his arms, one hand behind her head, and deepened the kiss with aching tenderness.


    That was when she pulled back abruptly. “Hey! Don’t move,” she said sharply, eyes narrowed in mock annoyance.


    Cole blinked, slightly breathless, leaning back into the seat with his hands raised in surrender. His gaze stayed locked on her flushed cheeks and pouty lips.


    “I’m the one saying thank you,” she remarked, her voice full of attitude. “So why are you kissing me back?”


    Heughed, low and amused. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave,” he said, smiling at her with yful affection. “Go on. I’m all yours.”


    Elliana beamed at his obedient stillness. Cradling his face in her hands, she leaned forward and kissed him again.


    But this time, it wasn’t just a kiss—it was a quiet outpouring of affection. She pressed her lips softly to his—then to his forehead, the corners of his eyes, and the bridge of his nose. Her mouth trailed delicately down to his jawline, each kiss lingering just a heartbeat longer than thest. Her touch was slow and tender, each movement deliberate and gentle.


    Cole usually craved passion—heat and urgency—but there was something about her soft, careful kisses that stirred something deeper inside him. A yearning he couldn’t quite put into words. Still, he kept himself in check, soaking in her warmth and affection like sunlight on bare skin.


    When she kissed his eyes, he shut them, surrenderingpletely to the moment.


    As she reached his jawline, he tilted his head ever so slightly, making it easier for her.


    He thought she might kiss the hollow of his throat next. Maybe even his Adam’s apple. He’d heard it was a sensitive spot for men, and he wondered what her touch there would feel like. But nothing came. The warmth of her lips disappeared, reced by stillness. He waited a few more seconds. Still nothing.


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    He opened his eyes slowly, only to find her distracted, fingers idly ying with the buttons of his cor. He frowned. “Why’d you stop?” His voice was soft, but his expression held the unmistakable pout of a child denied their favorite treat.


    Elliana looked up, amused by his reaction. “That is it,” she said with a mischievous smile. “I’ve finished kissing you.”


    Cole’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sulky edge slipping into his tone. “That’s all your gratitude amounts to?”


    “That was a very generous thank-you,” she replied, lightly tapping his chest. “Don’t get greedy now.”


    Cole’s expression darkened with quiet disappointment. He wanted more—specifically, her lips brushing against his neck, maybe even that sensitive spot on his Adam’s apple—but he couldn’t bring himself to say it aloud. Instead, he…


    Elliana clenched her jaw, swallowed her frustration, and shut her eyes tight, choosing to stay silent.


    Elliana watched him closely, biting her lip. His quietness made her uneasy. Was he upset because her kisses hadn’t pleased him? Was she really that bad at it? A sinking feeling settled in her chest. He used to call her a heartbreaker. Now, he must be scolding her for being terrible at kissing. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment.


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